By Steve Endow
You might have heard of Google Docs, a suite of web-based applications for document editing. Picture an online Microsoft Word that functions exclusively in your web browser. Similarly, Google Sheets is a web-based counterpart to Excel. These tools enable file sharing with customizable permissions. Notably, they allow simultaneous document editing by multiple users, a feature widely recognized as “collaboration” or “online collaboration.”
Google enthusiasts, particularly those who favor Android phones and eschew all things Microsoft, often praise Google Docs’ superiority over MS Office, emphasizing its free availability. Many criticize Office for its perceived outdatedness and cumbersome nature, stemming from the need for computer installation.
Here’s a case in point:
This sentiment rings true when applied to the desktop version of MS Word/MS Office. Merging edits from multiple contributors can indeed be a logistical challenge, as the software wasn’t originally designed for such functionality.
However, it’s worth noting that Microsoft offers a comparable suite to Google Docs and Sheets: Office Online. This web-based version of MS Office provides sharing capabilities, permission controls, and online document collaboration, closely resembling the familiar Office experience found on PCs.
Yes, it’s true.
Office Online is a remarkable tool.
https://office.live.com/start/default.aspx
This screenshot showcases simultaneous Word document editing using Word Online within two distinct browsers, highlighting the live collaboration feature. While logged into my Office 365 account in Internet Explorer, I shared the document for editing in Chrome.
Modifications made in one browser instantly reflect for other users, mirroring the Google Docs experience.
It’s true that Microsoft offers paid plans for Office Online, potentially limiting the scope of functionality available with a free account. Moreover, navigating the various plans and potential overlap with Office 365 might contribute to user confusion, contrasting with Google’s widely perceived “free for all” approach.
For further insights on Office Online versus Office 365, consider watching this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iscKrbkWp2M
In terms of functionality, Google Docs and Sheets fall short of MS Office, at least in my opinion. However, I acknowledge that personal preferences vary, as evidenced by the contrasting views on Gmail’s interface—some find it cumbersome, while others consider it exceptional.
While Office Online is a valuable tool, some caveats exist. It might not be suitable for those who prefer local document storage or whose corporate policies prohibit online document storage. Additionally, the free version of Office Online has feature limitations.
Personally, I still favor storing files locally on my computers. While I utilize OneDrive for storing some files, it’s not my primary storage solution. Consequently, my use of Office Online is currently limited to occasional collaborative document editing.
However, if you require input on a document or spreadsheet from multiple individuals and have the option of temporarily hosting the file online, Office Online presents a viable solution. You retain the ability to download and remove the file from the cloud after collaboration.
Furthermore, all these features seamlessly integrate with Office Mobile, compatible with iOS, Android, and Windows mobile devices.
https://products.office.com/en-us/mobile/office
Give it a try and spread the word about this superior alternative to Google Docs (in my humble opinion)!
Steve Endow is a Microsoft MVP for Dynamics GP and a Dynamics GP Certified IT Professional in Los Angeles. He is the owner of Precipio Services, which provides Dynamics GP integrations, customizations, and automation solutions.
You can also find him on Google+ and Twitter
http://www.precipioservices.com
