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

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

When thinking about whether your organization should utilize Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference between each's data processing applications could be the make or break aspect.

Microsoft Word and Google Docs both function as cloud-connected writing centers, but the importance of your files might form your decision.

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

In this post, we will take a look at the distinctions between Word and Docs, breaking down how the benefits and drawbacks of each could impact your workflow.

Pricing

Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, each month, and have various tiers of rates. As it relates to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers usually only impacts storage space and schedule of the Word desktop app.

The desktop apps are not offered through Microsoft's Business Basic plan ($ 5/user/month), so users at that level will need to be satisfied with Word Online.

Microsoft provides its apps for as low as $8.25/ user/month, but users then lose out on other functions like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange Online.

On the other hand, every Google Workplace subscription comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all need to be run out of a web browser.

When it comes to how much drive storage is readily available throughout all these subscriptions, see the graphic below:

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

Text documents are not likely to make much of a dent in your overall storage, except possibly on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of managed it service gold coast drive storage.

One TB of area on Microsoft's a lot of low-cost offering would be ample to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.

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

Features

Not every company needs extensive functions for writing documents, however if you use your word processing program to write more than one-page reports, there is an opportunity you will.

Google Docs is a terrific application for university student who wish to have the ability to compose basic 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. Everything boils down to if Docs is enough.

Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the ability to modify text styles that you use regularly, in addition to an insertable table of contents.

The desktop variation of Word has all the functions missing from its online offering, meaning they should be added after the collective aspect of the file is finished.

Google's offering does not permit for particular modifications to paragraph spacing or paragraph marks at all.

Word also has a deep library of templates that assist to develop the most visually striking documents you can. This makes design simple, as the user only needs to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand name colors.

With the aid of expert system, Word Ideas will make use of all its additional functions to assist users create the very best file possible. This consists of the layout and writing in overall.

Ideas might recommend a header format instead of by hand bolding and centering text. Text ideas might be to remove jargon 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 provide performance across platforms. Those using Microsoft 365 can easily integrate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their files, and vice versa.

Additionally, once files reach a specific length, like when it comes to research study or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more skilled at handling long-form files without lag.

Thinking about that lots of companies are currently utilizing variations of Microsoft applications, this allows much better crossover when working with other companies.

M365 users will likely have fewer problems opening documents from other business, a million of which also utilize Word worldwide.

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

Desktop apps have the capacity to house far more functions than a web app, and that can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.

Cooperation

The applications within Microsoft 365 were developed as private, completely formed programs, with the ability of online cooperation included later on in their life. On The Other Hand, Google Workspace was built with cooperation in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.

Both offerings can be edited by several individuals simultaneously, saving to the selected drive almost 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 since been included.

It is likewise much easier to share files quickly through Docs, and the ability to alter permissions for other users appears right away when attempting to share.

That feature is just a bit harder to reach with Microsoft, and you should conserve the file to OneDrive to avoid versioning concerns.

While the gap isn't as large as some will make it seem, Google Docs is certainly much better for working together within companies. It is essential to keep in mind that you might encounter compatibility issues with other companies that do not use Docs. Google has stated it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files considering that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that promise.

Given that collaboration has actually been a focal point throughout COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to focus on growing in this area.

Decision

How much does an organization need in their word processor? It depends upon the strength of your documents.

If you typically just remember or compose short internal documents, it may behoove you to benefit from the collective elements of Google Docs.

If your business exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research or uses very particular formatting, you'll definitely require Microsoft Word. If your service is sending documents to other businesses, 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 likely that you are not making your decision based entirely on these applications, but the features discovered on Word might be definitely essential and force you toward 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 collaboration up until today day.

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Pub: 16 Nov 2023 10:23 UTC

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