Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Seamless Collaboration

Managed IT Support - Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Balancing Powerful Includes with Smooth Cooperation

How much do you need out of a word processing program? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are trying to achieve.
When considering whether your business must utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference between each's data processing applications might be the make or break element.

Microsoft Word and Google Docs both act as cloud-connected composing centers, but the importance of your files might shape your choice.

As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the difference in between desktop and web apps is about balancing some of Microsoft's much deeper features and Google's concentrate on cooperation.

In this post, we will look at the distinctions between Word and Docs, breaking down how the advantages and disadvantages of each might affect your workflow.

Pricing

Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have different tiers of pricing. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers typically only affects storage space and availability of the Word desktop app.

The desktop apps are not offered through Microsoft's Business Basic strategy ($ 5/user/month), https://raymondbvox.bloggersdelight.dk/2023/11/06/what-kinds-of-solutions-to-expect-from-managed-it-company/ so users at that level will need to be satisfied with Word Online.

Microsoft uses 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 need to be run out of a web browser.

As for just how much drive storage is offered across all these subscriptions, see the graphic listed below:

A grid revealing the prices and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Text files are not most likely to make much of a dent in your total storage, other than maybe on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.

One TB of area on Microsoft's the majority of economical offering would be ample to house all of your Word files and plenty more.

In general, the functions throughout both M365 and Workspace will determine which one of these rates works for you.

Functions

Not every company needs detailed functions for composing files, however if you use your word processor to write more than one-page reports, there is a chance you will.

Google Docs is a fantastic application for university student who wish to be able to compose basic documents 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. It all boils down to if Docs is enough.

Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the capability to edit text designs that you utilize regularly, in addition to an insertable tabulation.

The desktop version of Word has all the functions missing from its online offering, indicating they need to be added after the collaborative element of the document is completed.

Nevertheless, Google's offering does not enable particular adjustments to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.

Word also has a deep library of templates that help to develop the most visually striking files you can. This makes design easy, as the user just requires to change placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.

With the assistance of expert system, Word Ideas will make use of all its extra functions to assist users develop the best file possible. This includes the layout and writing in total.

Ideas may recommend a header format instead of by hand bolding and centering text. Text tips may be to remove lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.

Consider this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than just proper grammar, making your voice clearer.

Possibly most significantly, Word and its desktop apps offer functionality across platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can quickly integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.

Furthermore, once files reach a certain length, like when it comes to research or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more adept at handling long-form files without lag.

Considering that numerous organizations are already utilizing versions of Microsoft applications, this allows better crossover when dealing with other companies.

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M365 users will likely have fewer concerns opening documents from other companies, a million of which also use Word worldwide.

When it comes to features, Word and all of Microsoft 365 will take the crown.

Desktop apps have the capability to house much more functions than a web app, which can be seen across M365 and Workspace as a whole.

Partnership

The applications within Microsoft 365 were constructed as individual, completely formed programs, with the ability of online collaboration included later on in their life. Google Workspace was constructed with collaboration in mind, leaving some of the heftier features behind.

Both offerings can be edited by multiple individuals concurrently, saving to the selected drive practically instantaneously.

Word lags somewhat in comparison to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Initially, it was not possible to send a collaborative link in Word online, however that function has considering that been included.

It is likewise easier to share files quickly through Docs, and the ability to alter approvals for other users appears immediately when trying to share.

That function is simply a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you must save the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning issues.

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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 necessary to bear in mind that you might run into compatibility issues with other business that do not use Docs. Though Google has stated it will present compatibility with Microsoft documents considering that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that promise.

Considered that partnership has been a focal point throughout COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to focus on growing in this area.

Verdict

So, just how much does a service need in their word processor? It depends upon the strength of your documents.

If you normally just bear in mind or compose short 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 format, you'll definitely require Microsoft Word. If your organization is sending out files to other companies, Word and 365 needs to guarantee compatibility.

The word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace efficiency suites.

It is likely that you are not making your decision based exclusively on these applications, however the features found on Word could be definitely needed and force you toward 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 partnership till today day.

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Pub: 07 Nov 2023 05:45 UTC

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