Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Cooperation
How much do you need itleaders.com.au out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are trying to achieve.
When thinking about whether your organization needs to use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction in between each's word processing applications might be the make or break element.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both act as cloud-connected composing hubs, however the significance of your files could shape your decision.
As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference in between desktop and web apps is about balancing some of Microsoft's deeper functions and Google's concentrate on collaboration.
In this post, we will https://itleaders.com.au/it-solutions-for-professional-services/ take a look at the distinctions between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and disadvantages of each could affect your workflow.
Rates
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have different tiers of prices. As it refers to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers typically just 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 need to be pleased with Word Online.
Microsoft provides 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 includes all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all should be run out of a web internet browser.
As for how much drive storage is readily available throughout all these subscriptions, see the graphic listed below:
A grid revealing the prices and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text documents are not likely to make much of a damage in your overall storage, except possibly on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's a lot of affordable offering would be sufficient to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
In general, the functions across both M365 and Workspace will figure out which one of these rates works for you.
Features
Not every company needs comprehensive features for composing files, but if you utilize your word processing program to write more than one-page reports, there is an opportunity you will.
Google Docs is a great application for college students who want to have the ability to compose basic 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. Everything boils down to if Docs suffices.
Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the ability to modify text styles that you use consistently, in addition to an insertable table of contents.
The desktop version of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, suggesting they need to be included after the collective aspect of the file is completed.
Google's offering does not enable for specific modifications to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word likewise has a deep library of templates that help to create the most visually striking files you can. This makes design easy, as the user just needs to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the help of expert system, Word Ideas will make use of all its additional features to assist users create the best file possible. This includes the layout and writing in total.
Concepts might recommend a header format instead of manually bolding and focusing text. Text recommendations might 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 proper grammar, making your voice clearer.
Perhaps most notably, Word and its desktop apps use functionality across platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can easily incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, 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 ends up being weighed down. Word is more proficient at dealing with long-form documents without lag.
Considering that numerous businesses are already utilizing variations of Microsoft applications, this allows better crossover when dealing with other companies.
M365 users will likely have fewer problems opening files from other companies, a million of which likewise utilize Word worldwide.
Desktop apps have the capability to house even more functions than a web app, it services for manufacturing and that can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were developed as individual, completely formed programs, with the ability of online cooperation added later in their life. Google Workspace was developed with cooperation in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be edited by multiple individuals simultaneously, saving to the selected drive almost instantaneously.
Word lags somewhat in comparison to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send out a collective link in Word online, but that feature has because been included.
It is likewise simpler to share files quickly through Docs, and the ability to alter authorizations for other users appears immediately when trying to share.
That feature is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you must save the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning issues.
While the gap isn't as large as some will make it seem, Google Docs is absolutely better for teaming up within business. It is important to remember that you may encounter compatibility issues with other business that do not use Docs. Though Google has said it will present compatibility with Microsoft documents given that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that promise.
Given that collaboration has actually been a centerpiece during COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this area.
Decision
So, just how much does a service requirement in their word processing program? It depends upon the intensity of your files.
If you usually only remember or compose short internal files, it might behoove you to take advantage of the collaborative elements of Google Docs.
If your organization exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research or uses extremely specific formatting, you'll absolutely need Microsoft Word. If your organization is sending files to other services, Word and 365 ought to guarantee compatibility.
The word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace productivity suites.
It is most likely that you are not making your choice based exclusively on these applications, however the features discovered on Word might be definitely essential and force you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has actually leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 because 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have continued our partnership till today day.