Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Cooperation
Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Seamless Cooperation
How much do you require out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are trying to accomplish.
When considering whether your business ought to use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's data processing applications might be the make or break aspect.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both act as cloud-connected composing hubs, however the value of your files could shape your choice.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the distinction in between desktop and web apps is about balancing a few of Microsoft's much deeper features and Google's concentrate on partnership.
In this post, we will take a look at the differences between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and drawbacks of each might affect your workflow.
Prices
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, each month, and have various tiers of pricing. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers usually only affects storage area and accessibility 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 provides its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, however 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 should be lacked a web browser.
When it comes to just how much drive storage is readily available across all these subscriptions, see the graphic listed 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, except perhaps on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB Learn more of drive storage.
One TB of space on Microsoft's many inexpensive offering would be ample to house all of your Word files and plenty more.
In general, the functions throughout both M365 and Workspace will figure out which among these rates works for you.
Features
Not every company needs comprehensive features for composing files, but if you use your word processing program to compose more than one-page reports, there is a chance you will.
Google Docs is a terrific application for university student who want to be able to compose basic papers 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 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 use regularly, as well as an insertable table of contents.
The desktop version of Word has all the features missing out on from its online offering, indicating they need to be added after the collaborative element of the document is finished.
Google's offering does not enable for particular changes to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of design templates that help to develop the most visually striking documents you can. This makes style easy, as the user only 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 help users develop the best file possible. This includes the design and composing in overall.
Concepts might suggest a header format instead of manually bolding and focusing text. Text ideas might be to eliminate lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Think of this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply appropriate grammar, making your voice clearer.
Maybe most notably, Word and its desktop apps use performance throughout platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can quickly incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their documents, and vice versa.
In addition, once files 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.
Thinking about that lots of services are currently using variations of Microsoft applications, this enables much better crossover when working with other companies.
M365 users will likely have fewer problems opening files from other companies, a million of which also utilize Word worldwide.
When it comes to 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 across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Collaboration
The applications within Microsoft 365 were built as private, totally formed programs, with the capability of online cooperation included later in their life. Google Workspace was built with collaboration in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.
Both offerings can be modified by numerous people simultaneously, saving to the selected drive practically instantly.
Word lags a little in contrast to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send out a collaborative link in Word online, however that function has actually because been added.
It is also easier to share files quickly through Docs, and the ability to change consents for other users appears instantly when trying to share.
That function is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should save the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning concerns.
While the space isn't as big as some will make it seem, Google Docs is definitely much better for working together within companies. It is important to keep in mind that you may run into compatibility concerns 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.
Considered that collaboration has been a focal point during COVID-19, anticipate 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 normally only keep in mind or compose short internal documents, it may behoove you to make the most of the collective elements of Google Docs.
If your organization exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research study or utilizes very particular format, you'll definitely require Microsoft Word. If your service is sending files to other companies, Word and 365 should guarantee 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 choice based entirely on these applications, but the features found on Word could be definitely needed and force you towards M365.

IT Support Guys has actually leveraged the power of Microsoft 365 considering that 2008 when it was still called Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS), and we have continued our collaboration up until the present day.