Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Partnership
Just how much do you need out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google https://itleaders.com.au/it-support-services/ Docs, it depends on what you are attempting to accomplish.
When considering whether your business should use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's data processing applications could be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both act as cloud-connected writing centers, but the significance of your files might form your decision.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the distinction in between desktop and web apps has to do with balancing some of Microsoft's much deeper functions and Google's focus on cooperation.
In this post, we will look at the differences in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and downsides of each could impact your workflow.
Rates
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and have various tiers of prices. As it refers to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers normally just affects storage space and schedule 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 satisfied with Word Online.
Microsoft provides its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, but users then lose on other functions like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange Online.
On the other hand, every Google Workplace membership includes all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all should be lacked a web browser.
When it comes to how much drive storage is available across all these subscriptions, see the graphic listed below:
A grid showing the rates and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not most likely to make much of a damage in your total storage, except maybe on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's a lot of inexpensive offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.
Overall, the functions across both M365 and Workspace will identify which one of these prices works for you.
Functions
Not every company needs comprehensive features for composing documents, however if you use your word processing program to write more than one-page reports, there is an opportunity you will.
Google Docs is an excellent application for university student who wish to be able to compose standard papers with little format 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 suffices.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the ability to edit text styles that you use regularly, in addition to an insertable tabulation.
The desktop version of Word has all the functions missing out on from its online offering, meaning they must be included after the collaborative element of the file is finished.
Google's offering does not allow for particular adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of templates that assist to produce the most aesthetically striking documents you can. This makes style basic, as the user only needs to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.
With the assistance of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will utilize all its extra features to help users produce the very best file possible. This consists of the design and composing in total.
Ideas may suggest a header format rather of manually bolding and focusing text. Text suggestions may be to get rid of lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Consider this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply right grammar, making your voice clearer.
Maybe most notably, Word and its desktop apps offer performance throughout platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can easily integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
Furthermore, once documents reach a specific length, like when it comes to research study or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more adept at dealing with long-form files without lag.
Considering that many companies are already utilizing variations of Microsoft applications, this allows better crossover when working with other business.
M365 users will likely have fewer problems opening files 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 far more functions than a web app, which can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were constructed as specific, completely formed programs, with the capability of online partnership added later on in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was developed with collaboration in mind, leaving a few of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be edited by multiple individuals simultaneously, conserving to the picked drive almost instantly.
Word lags slightly 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 added.
It is likewise simpler to share files rapidly through Docs, and the capability to change authorizations 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 prevent versioning issues.
While the gap isn't as big as some will make it appear, Google Docs is absolutely much better for teaming up within business. It is very important to remember that you may run into compatibility issues with other business that do not use Docs. Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents considering that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that guarantee.
Considered that collaboration has actually been a centerpiece during COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to focus on growing in this area.
Decision
How much does a service need in their word processor? It depends upon the strength of your files.
If you typically only take notes or write brief internal documents, it may behoove you to take advantage of the collaborative elements of Google Docs.
If your business exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research or uses really specific formatting, you'll absolutely require Microsoft Word. If your company is sending out documents to other businesses, Word and 365 must ensure compatibility.
Remember that the word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace performance suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your choice based solely on these applications, but the functions discovered on Word might be definitely necessary and force you toward M365.
IT Support Guys has actually leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 given that 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have actually continued our partnership until the present day.
