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

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

When considering whether your service must use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference in between each's data processing applications could be the make or break aspect.

Microsoft Word and Google Docs both work as cloud-connected writing centers, but the value of your files might form your choice.

As users will see throughout M365 and Workspace, the difference in between desktop and web apps is about balancing a few of Microsoft's deeper functions and Google's concentrate on partnership.

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

Pricing

Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have different tiers of pricing. As it refers to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers generally just affects storage space 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 need to be pleased with Word Online.

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

Every Google Workplace subscription comes with all its web apps. Google does not have downloadable desktop apps, and all must be lacked a web internet browser.

As for how much drive storage is readily available across all these memberships, see the graphic listed below:

A grid revealing the costs and storage capabilities of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace

Text https://itleaders.com.au/it-support-services/ documents are not likely to make much of a dent in your total storage, except possibly on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.

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

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

Functions

Not every company requires thorough features for writing documents, but if you utilize your word processing program to write more than one-page reports, there is a possibility you will.

Google Docs is a terrific application for college students who wish to be able to write basic papers with little format that they can access from anywhere they have a web connection.

Anything more than that, and Docs does not compare the power of Word. It all boils down to if Docs suffices.

Docs does have some features that Word online does not, like the ability to edit text styles that you utilize regularly, along with an insertable tabulation.

The desktop version of Word has all the functions missing from its online offering, indicating they should be added after the collective aspect of the document is completed.

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

Word likewise has a deep library of templates that assist to develop the most aesthetically striking files you can. This makes style simple, as the user only needs to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.

With the aid of artificial intelligence, Word Ideas will utilize all its additional features to assist users develop the very best file possible. This includes the layout and composing in overall.

For instance, Ideas may suggest a header format instead of manually bolding and centering text. Text suggestions might 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 right grammar, making your voice clearer.

Maybe most notably, Word and its desktop apps use performance 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, as soon as files reach a particular length, like in the case of research or manuscripts, Google Docs ends up being weighed down. Word is more adept at managing long-form documents without lag.

Considering that many businesses are already utilizing variations of Microsoft applications, this permits much better crossover when working with other business.

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

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

Desktop apps have the capacity to house even 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 capability of online cooperation added later on in their life. On The Other Hand, Google Workspace was built with partnership in mind, leaving some of the heftier functions behind.

Both offerings can be edited by numerous individuals simultaneously, conserving to the picked drive almost instantly.

Word lags a little in contrast to Docs, specifically when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send a collective link in Word online, however that feature has actually because been added.

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

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

While the space isn't as big as some will make it seem, Google Docs is definitely much better for collaborating within business. It is important to keep in mind that you might encounter compatibility problems with other business that do not use Docs. Though Google has stated it will present compatibility with Microsoft files because the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that guarantee.

Considered that partnership has actually been a focal point during COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this area.

Decision

So, just how much does a company requirement in their word processing program? It depends on the intensity of your files.

If you normally only keep in mind or compose brief internal files, it may behoove you to benefit from the collective aspects of Google Docs.

If your business exports longer manuscripts for proprietary research study or uses extremely specific formatting, you'll definitely need Microsoft Word. If your organization is sending out documents to other businesses, Word and 365 ought to ensure 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 required 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 actually continued our collaboration till the present day.