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

Just how much do you require out of a word processor? With Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it depends on what you are attempting to achieve.

When thinking about whether your organization ought to use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference in between each's data processing applications might be the make or break aspect.

Microsoft Word and Google Docs both work as cloud-connected writing centers, however the value of your documents could form your decision.

As users will see across M365 and Workspace, the distinction in between desktop and web apps is about stabilizing a few of Microsoft's much deeper functions and Google's concentrate on collaboration.

In this post, we will take a look at the differences in between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and disadvantages of each could affect your workflow.

Pricing

Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and have various tiers of rates. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers generally only affects storage area and availability 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 have to be pleased 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 need to be lacked a web internet browser.

When it comes to just how much drive storage is available across all these subscriptions, see the graphic listed below:

A grid showing the costs and storage abilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace

Text files are not most likely to make much of a damage in it solutions for manufacturing your overall storage, except possibly on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.

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

Overall, the functions across both M365 and Workspace will determine which one of these rates works for you.

Features

Not every company requires extensive features for composing files, however if you utilize your word processor to write more than one-page reports, there is an opportunity you will.

Google Docs is a terrific application for university student who want to be able to write standard documents with little format that they can access from anywhere they have an internet 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 ability to modify text designs that you use consistently, as well as an insertable table of contents.

The desktop variation of Word has all the features missing out on from its online offering, suggesting they ought to be added after the collective element of the file is completed.

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

Word likewise has a deep library of design templates that help to create the most aesthetically striking files you can. This makes style basic, as the user only requires to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.

With the aid of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will utilize all its extra functions to help users develop the very best file possible. This consists of the layout and composing in overall.

Concepts might suggest a header format instead of manually bolding and centering text. Text tips 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.

Maybe most significantly, Word and its desktop apps use functionality throughout platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can quickly integrate 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 specific length, like when it comes to research or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more adept at dealing with long-form documents without lag.

Thinking about that lots of organizations are already using versions it solutions for professional services of Microsoft applications, this permits much better crossover when working with other companies.

M365 users will likely have less concerns opening files from other business, a million of which also utilize Word worldwide.

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

Desktop apps have the capacity to house much 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 specific, fully formed programs, with the ability of online cooperation included later on in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was built with collaboration in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.

Both offerings can be modified by numerous individuals simultaneously, saving to the chosen drive nearly immediately.

Word lags slightly in comparison managed services brisbane to Docs, especially when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send a collective link in Word online, however that function has considering that been included.

It is likewise simpler to share documents rapidly through Docs, and the ability to alter permissions for other users appears immediately when attempting to share.

That feature is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you must conserve the file to OneDrive to prevent versioning problems.

While the gap isn't as big as some will make it seem, Google Docs is absolutely much better for collaborating within business. It is essential to keep in mind that you might encounter compatibility issues with other companies that do not use Docs. Though Google has said it will present compatibility with Microsoft documents considering that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that guarantee.

Given that partnership has been a focal point during COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to focus on growing in this location.

Verdict

How much does a service requirement in their word processor? It depends upon the strength of your documents.

If you generally only keep in mind or write short internal documents, it may behoove you to take advantage of the collective aspects of Google Docs.

If your service exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research or uses extremely specific format, you'll definitely need Microsoft Word. If your company is sending out documents to other organizations, Word and 365 ought to ensure compatibility.

Keep in mind that the word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace performance suites.

It is most likely that you are not making your decision based entirely on these applications, but the functions discovered on Word might be absolutely essential and require you towards M365.

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

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Pub: 26 Feb 2024 04:09 UTC

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