Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Collaboration
Just how much do you require out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are attempting to accomplish.
When thinking about whether your organization ought to 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 hubs, but the significance of your documents might form your choice.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the difference between desktop and web apps has to do with stabilizing some of Microsoft's much deeper features and Google's focus on cooperation.
In this post, we will look at the distinctions between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and drawbacks of each could impact your workflow.
Pricing
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, each month, and have different tiers of prices. As it refers to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers typically only impacts storage space and accessibility of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not available through Microsoft's Business Basic strategy ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will need to be satisfied with Word Online.
Microsoft provides its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, but users then lose out on other functions like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange Online.
Every Google Workplace membership comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all must be lacked a web browser.
As for how much drive storage is available throughout all these memberships, see the graphic below:
A grid showing the costs and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not most likely to make much of a dent in your general storage, except maybe on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of area on Microsoft's a lot of inexpensive offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
Overall, the features across both M365 and Workspace will figure out which among these prices works for you.
Features
Not every business needs comprehensive features for writing documents, but if you private cloud vs on prem use your word processor to write more than one-page reports, there is an opportunity you will.
Google Docs is a fantastic application for college students who want to have the ability to compose basic documents with little format that they can access from anywhere they have a web connection.
Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't hold a candle to the power of Word. It all boils down to if Docs is enough.
Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the capability to edit text designs that you utilize regularly, along with an insertable tabulation.
The desktop version of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, implying they must be included after the collaborative aspect of the file is finished.
Word also has a deep library of templates that help to produce the most aesthetically striking documents you can. This makes design simple, as the user only needs to change placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the help of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will make use of all its additional features to assist users create the very best document possible. This consists of the layout and writing in overall.
Concepts might suggest a header format instead of by hand bolding and centering text. Text tips might be to eliminate jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Think about this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just right grammar, making your voice clearer.
Maybe most notably, Word and its desktop apps offer functionality throughout platforms. Those using 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.
Furthermore, when documents reach a particular length, like in the case of research or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more adept at handling long-form documents without lag.
Thinking about that numerous companies are already using variations of Microsoft applications, this permits much better crossover when dealing 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 even more functions than a web app, which can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Partnership
The applications within Microsoft 365 were developed as private, fully formed programs, with the capability of online partnership added later on in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was built with partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be edited by numerous people simultaneously, saving to the picked drive practically instantaneously.
Word lags a little in contrast to Docs, specifically when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send out a collective link in Word online, but that feature has because been included.
It is likewise easier to share documents rapidly through Docs, and the capability to change permissions for other users appears immediately when attempting to share.
That feature is just 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 large as some will make it seem, Google Docs is absolutely better for teaming up within companies. It is necessary to remember that you might encounter compatibility problems with other companies that do not utilize Docs. Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft documents given that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that pledge.
Given that collaboration has been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to focus on growing in this location.
Verdict
How much does a company requirement in their word processor? It depends on the intensity of your files.
If you usually just bear in mind or write brief internal documents, it might behoove you to make the most of the collective aspects of Google Docs.
If your company exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research study or utilizes extremely particular formatting, you'll definitely require Microsoft Word. If your service is sending documents to other companies, Word and 365 must guarantee compatibility.
Remember that the word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace performance suites.
It is likely that you are not making your decision based exclusively on these applications, but the features discovered on Word could be definitely needed and require you towards 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 actually continued our collaboration till the present day.