Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Collaboration
How much do you require out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are attempting to accomplish.
When considering whether your company should use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction in between each's word processing applications might be the make or break aspect.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both serve as cloud-connected composing centers, but the value of your files might form your decision.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the distinction in between desktop and web apps is about balancing some of Microsoft's much deeper functions and Google's focus on collaboration.
In this post, we will take a look at the distinctions in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and disadvantages of each might affect your workflow.
Rates
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and have different tiers of prices. As it refers to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers generally just affects storage area and accessibility of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not readily available through Microsoft's Business Basic plan ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will need to be pleased with Word Online.
Microsoft offers its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, but users then lose on other functions like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange Online.
Meanwhile, every Google Workplace membership includes all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all should be run out of a web internet browser.
When it comes to how much drive storage is readily available throughout all these memberships, see the graphic listed below:
A grid revealing the prices and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not likely to make much of a dent in your total storage, except possibly on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's the majority of low-cost offering would be sufficient to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
In general, the features throughout both M365 and Workspace will figure out which among these prices works for you.
Features
Not every company needs thorough features for writing files, but if you use your word processor to compose more than one-page reports, there is a chance you will.
Google Docs is a fantastic application for college students who wish to be able to compose standard documents with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't hold a candle to the power of Word. All of it comes down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the capability to edit text designs that you use consistently, along with an insertable tabulation.
The desktop variation of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, implying they ought to be included after the collective aspect of the document is completed.
Nevertheless, Google's offering does not permit particular modifications to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of templates that assist to develop the most visually striking files you can. This makes design simple, as the user just requires to change placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the help of expert system, Word Ideas will use all its additional features to help users produce the very best document possible. This consists of the design and composing in total.
Ideas might recommend a header format instead of manually bolding and centering text. Text recommendations may be to get rid of lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just proper grammar, making your voice clearer.
Furthermore, once documents reach a specific length, like in the case of research or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more proficient at dealing with long-form files without lag.
Considering that numerous companies are already utilizing versions of Microsoft applications, this allows much better crossover when dealing with other companies.
M365 users will likely have fewer concerns opening files from other companies, a countless which also utilize Word worldwide.
When it concerns features, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capability to house even more functions than a web app, and that can be seen across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Partnership
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as individual, completely formed programs, with the capability of online partnership added later on in their life. Google Workspace was developed with partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be modified by numerous people simultaneously, saving to the picked drive practically instantly.
Word lags slightly in comparison to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send out a collective link in Word online, however that feature has since been added.
It is also easier to share documents quickly through Docs, and the capability to change permissions for other users appears right away when attempting to share.
That function is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should save the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning problems.
While the space isn't as big as some will make it seem, Google Docs is absolutely much better for teaming up within business. It is necessary to remember that you may encounter compatibility problems with other companies that do not use Docs. Though Google has said it will present compatibility with Microsoft files considering that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that pledge.
Given that partnership has been a focal point throughout COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this area.
Decision
So, how much does a service requirement in their word processor? It depends on the strength of your documents.
If you typically only remember or write brief internal files, it may behoove you to take advantage of the collective elements of Google Docs.
If your company exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research or uses really particular format, you'll definitely require Microsoft Word. If your service is sending files to other organizations, Word and 365 must guarantee compatibility.
It is most likely that you are not making your decision based solely on these applications, however the features discovered on Word could be definitely required and force you toward M365.
IT Support Guys has leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 since 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have continued our collaboration until the present day.