Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Seamless Partnership
How much do you require out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are trying to achieve.
When considering whether your organization must use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference in between each's word processing applications might be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both serve as cloud-connected writing centers, but the importance of your files could shape your decision.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the distinction in between desktop and web apps has to do with balancing a few 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 impact your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, each month, and have various tiers of prices. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers typically just affects storage area and availability of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not offered through Microsoft's Business Basic strategy ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will have to be satisfied with Word Online.
Microsoft uses its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, however users then lose out on other functions like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange Online.
On the other hand, every Google Workplace membership features all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all need to be run out of a web internet browser.
As for how much drive storage is readily available across all these memberships, see the graphic below:
A grid showing the rates and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not most likely to make much of a damage in your overall storage, other than possibly on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's most low-cost offering would be sufficient to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
Overall, the functions across both M365 and Workspace will figure out which among these rates works for you.
Features
Not every company needs thorough features for composing documents, but if you use your word processing program to write more than one-page reports, there is an opportunity you will.
Google Docs is a fantastic application for university student who want to have the ability 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 features that Word online does not, like the ability to edit text designs that you utilize regularly, as well as an insertable table of contents.
The desktop variation of Word has all the features missing out on from its online offering, implying they need to be included after the collaborative aspect of the file is ended up.
However, Google's offering does not permit specific changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of design templates that assist to produce the most visually striking documents you can. This makes design basic, as the user only needs to change placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the assistance of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will make use of all its extra features to help users develop the very best file possible. This includes the layout and writing in overall.
For instance, Ideas might suggest a header format instead of manually bolding and focusing text. Text tips may be to remove lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just correct grammar, making your voice clearer.
Perhaps most importantly, Word and its desktop apps provide functionality across platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can easily incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their documents, and vice versa.
In addition, once documents reach a specific length, like when it comes to research or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more proficient at handling long-form files without lag.
Considering that lots of organizations are already utilizing variations of Microsoft applications, this enables much better crossover when working with other companies.
M365 users will likely have less problems opening documents from other business, a million of which likewise utilize Word worldwide.
When it pertains to features, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capability to house much more functions than a web app, which can be seen across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Partnership
The applications within Microsoft 365 were developed as private, completely formed programs, with the capability of online cooperation included later in their life. Google Workspace was built with cooperation in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be modified by multiple people concurrently, conserving to the chosen drive nearly instantly.
Word lags a little in contrast to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send out a collaborative link in Word online, however that feature has since been included.
It is likewise easier to share documents rapidly through Docs, and the capability to alter permissions for other users appears immediately when attempting to share.
That feature is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should conserve the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning problems.
While the gap isn't as large as some will make it seem, Google Docs is certainly better for collaborating within companies. It is important to remember that you may encounter compatibility concerns with other business that do not use Docs. Google has said it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents because the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that pledge.
Considered that collaboration has actually been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to focus on growing in this location.
Verdict
So, how much does an organization need in their word processor? It depends upon the strength of your files.
If your business exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research study or utilizes very particular formatting, you'll absolutely require Microsoft Word. If your organization is sending files to other services, Word and 365 should ensure compatibility.
Keep in https://controlc.com/428a0f9f mind that the word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace productivity suites.
It is likely that you are not making your decision based exclusively on these applications, but the functions discovered on Word could be absolutely necessary and force you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 because 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have continued our collaboration up until the present day.