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

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

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

When considering whether your business ought to use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference between each's data processing applications could be the make or break factor.

Microsoft Word and Google Docs both work as cloud-connected writing centers, but the value 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 much deeper features and Google's concentrate on collaboration.

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

Pricing

Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have various tiers of pricing. As it relates to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers usually 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, but users then lose 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 must be run out of a web internet browser.

As for just how much drive storage is readily available throughout all these subscriptions, see the graphic listed below:

A grid showing the prices and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace

Text files are not likely to make much of a dent in your total storage, except perhaps on Google's starter strategy with only 30 GB of drive storage.

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

Overall, the functions throughout both M365 and Workspace will figure out which among these costs works for you.

Functions

Not every company requires detailed features for writing documents, but if you use your word processing program to compose more than one-page reports, there is an opportunity you will.

Google Docs is a terrific application for college students who want to have the ability to compose basic documents with little formatting that they can access from anywhere they have an internet connection.

Anything more than that, and Docs doesn't hold a candle to the power of Word. It all comes down to if Docs suffices.

Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the capability to modify text styles that you use regularly, in addition to an insertable tabulation.

The desktop version of Word has all the functions missing out on from its online offering, suggesting they need to be added after the collaborative element of the document is ended up.

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

Word also has a deep library of design templates that assist to create the most visually striking documents fixed price it support you can. This makes design basic, as the user just needs to change placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.

With the help of expert system, Word Ideas will use all its extra features to help users produce the very best document possible. This includes the design and writing in total.

For instance, Ideas might recommend a header format instead of manually bolding and centering text. Text ideas may be to get rid of lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.

Think of this as the next generation of spellcheck, as it does more than simply correct grammar, making your voice clearer.

Possibly most significantly, Word and its desktop apps offer functionality across platforms. Those using 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, once files reach a specific length, like when it comes to research study or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more proficient at dealing with long-form files without lag.

Considering that lots of organizations are already utilizing variations of Microsoft applications, this enables better crossover when working with other companies.

M365 users will likely have fewer problems opening files from other companies, a countless which likewise utilize Word worldwide.

When it concerns functions, 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.

Collaboration

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

Both offerings can be modified by multiple individuals simultaneously, saving to the chosen drive practically instantly.

Word lags slightly 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, however that function has considering that been included.

It is also simpler to share files rapidly through Docs, and the capability to change approvals for other users appears immediately when trying to share.

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

While the space isn't as large as some will make it appear, Google Docs is absolutely better for collaborating within business. It is necessary to remember that you may face compatibility concerns with other business that do not use Docs. Google has said it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files because the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that guarantee.

Given that collaboration has actually been a focal point during COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this area.

Decision

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

If you typically just take notes or compose short internal documents, it may behoove you to make the most of the collective elements of Google Docs.

If your organization exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research study or uses extremely particular format, you'll definitely need Microsoft Word. If your company is sending out files to other companies, Word and 365 should guarantee compatibility.

Bear in mind that the word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace efficiency suites.

It is likely that you are not making your choice based exclusively on these applications, but the functions discovered on Word might be definitely needed and require you towards M365.

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