Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Partnership
When thinking about whether your service must use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction in between each's word processing applications could be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both serve as cloud-connected writing hubs, but the significance of your files could shape your choice.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference in between desktop and web apps is about stabilizing some of Microsoft's much deeper functions and Google's focus on collaboration.
In this post, we will take a look at the differences in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and downsides of each could impact your workflow.
Prices
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have various tiers of prices. As it relates to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers typically only impacts storage area and accessibility of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not readily available through Microsoft's Business Basic strategy ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will have 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.
Every Google Workplace subscription comes with 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 available throughout all these memberships, see the graphic listed below:
A grid revealing the costs and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not likely to make much of a damage in your general storage, other than maybe on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's the majority of low-cost offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
In general, the functions throughout both M365 and Workspace will identify which one of these rates works for you.
Features
Not every business needs detailed functions for composing documents, but if you use your word processor to write more than one-page reports, there is a chance you will.
Google Docs is a great application for university student who wish to be able to compose basic documents with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have a web connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs does not hold a candle to the power of Word. Everything boils down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the ability to edit text designs that you use consistently, as well as an insertable tabulation.
The desktop variation of Word has all the functions missing from its online offering, implying they should be included after the collaborative aspect of the document is finished.
However, Google's offering does not allow for specific modifications to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of templates that assist to produce the most aesthetically striking files you can. This makes design easy, as the user just needs to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the aid of expert system, Word Ideas will utilize all its additional features to help users produce the very best file possible. This includes the design and composing in total.
Concepts might suggest a header format instead of manually bolding and focusing text. Text suggestions might be to eliminate jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.
Consider this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just correct grammar, making your voice clearer.
Maybe most significantly, Word and its desktop apps offer performance across platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can easily integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
In addition, when files reach a certain length, like in the case of research study or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more skilled at handling long-form documents without lag.
Thinking about that many services are already using versions of Microsoft applications, this permits much better crossover when working with other companies.
M365 users will likely have less issues opening files from other companies, a countless which also use Word worldwide.
When it concerns features, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.
Desktop apps have the capacity to house far more functions than a web app, which can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Partnership
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as specific, fully formed programs, with the ability of online partnership included later in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was developed with partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by multiple people concurrently, saving to the selected drive nearly instantly.
Word lags a little in comparison to Docs, specifically when cloud computing services working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send out a collective link in Word online, but 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 instantly when attempting to share.
That function is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should conserve the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning concerns.
While the gap isn't as large as some will make it seem, Google Docs is definitely better for working together within business. It is important to keep in mind that you may face compatibility concerns with other companies that do not use Docs. Though Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files given that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that guarantee.
Given that partnership has actually been a focal point during COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this location.
Decision
How much does a business requirement in their word processor? It depends upon the intensity of your files.
If you typically only take notes or write brief internal files, it may behoove you to take advantage of the collaborative elements of Google Docs.
If your company exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research or uses extremely particular formatting, you'll definitely need Microsoft Word. If your company is sending files to other services, Word and 365 must ensure compatibility.
Remember that the word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace efficiency suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your decision based solely on these applications, but the features found on Word could be absolutely required and force you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 considering that 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have continued our partnership till the present day.