Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Features with Smooth Partnership
How much do you require out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends upon what you are attempting to achieve.
When considering whether your service must use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the distinction between each's data processing applications could be the make or break factor.
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both work as cloud-connected composing centers, however the importance of your documents could shape your decision.
As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the distinction 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 in 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 different tiers of pricing. As it refers to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers usually just affects storage space and accessibility of the Word desktop app.
The desktop apps are not available through Microsoft's Business Basic plan ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will need to be satisfied with Word Online.
Microsoft offers 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.
Meanwhile, every Google Workplace membership comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all should be lacked a web internet browser.
As for how much drive storage is available throughout all these subscriptions, 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 total storage, other than maybe on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.
One TB of it service gold coast area on Microsoft's the majority 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 figure out which one of these prices works for you.
Features
Not every business requires comprehensive functions for writing documents, but if you use your word processor to write more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.
Google Docs is an excellent application for college students who wish to be able to compose standard papers with little format 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 suffices.
The desktop variation of Word has all the features missing from its online offering, suggesting they should be included after the collaborative element of the file is finished.
However, Google's offering does not allow for particular modifications to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.
Word also has a deep library of design templates that help to create the most visually striking documents you can. This makes design basic, as the user only needs to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.
With the aid of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will make use of all its additional functions to assist users develop the best file possible. This includes the design and composing in overall.
Ideas may recommend a header format rather of manually bolding and centering text. Text suggestions might be to get rid of jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.
Consider this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply correct grammar, making your voice clearer.
Possibly most importantly, Word and its desktop apps offer performance across platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can quickly incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and charts, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.
In addition, when documents reach a particular length, like in the case of research or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more proficient at managing long-form files without lag.
Considering that lots of companies are already using variations of Microsoft applications, this allows better crossover when dealing with other companies.
M365 users will likely have less problems opening files from other companies, a countless which likewise use Word worldwide.
When it concerns 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, and that can be seen across M365 and Workspace as a whole.
Partnership
The applications within Microsoft 365 were constructed as individual, fully formed programs, with the capability of online partnership added later on in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was constructed with collaboration in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.
Both offerings can be modified by numerous people simultaneously, conserving to the picked drive nearly instantaneously.
Word lags a little in comparison to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send out a collaborative link in Word online, but that function has because been included.
It is also simpler to share files rapidly through Docs, and the capability to change consents for other users appears immediately when trying to share.
That function is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should conserve the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning issues.
While the gap isn't as big as some will make it seem, Google Docs is certainly much better for working together within business. It is very important to remember that you may run into compatibility problems with other companies that do not utilize Docs. Though Google has said it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files since the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that pledge.
Given that collaboration has actually been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to focus on growing in this location.
Decision
So, how much does a company requirement in their word processor? It depends upon the intensity of your files.
If managed it services brisbane you generally only remember or compose short internal documents, it might behoove you to benefit from the collective aspects of Google Docs.
If your company exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research or utilizes extremely particular format, you'll definitely need Microsoft Word. If your service is sending documents to other companies, Word and 365 must guarantee compatibility.
Bear in mind that the word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace productivity suites.
It is likely that you are not making your decision based entirely on these applications, however the features found on Word might be absolutely needed and require you towards M365.
IT Support Guys has it services gold coast 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 collaboration until today day.