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[Kiara Latricia]

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

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

When thinking about whether your organization should use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, the difference in between each's word processing applications could be the make or break element.

Microsoft Word and Google Docs both function as cloud-connected writing centers, however the significance of your documents might shape your choice.

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 functions and Google's focus on cooperation.

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

Rates

Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, per month, and have different tiers of prices. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the distinction in tiers normally just affects storage space and accessibility 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 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 should be lacked a web browser.

When it comes to 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 documents are not most likely to make much of a dent in your overall storage, except possibly on Google's starter plan with only 30 GB of drive storage.

One TB of area on Microsoft's a lot of inexpensive offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.

In general, the features throughout both M365 and Workspace will figure out which one of these costs works for you.

Functions

Not every company requires thorough functions for composing files, but if you use your word processor to compose more than one-page reports, there is an opportunity you will.

Google Docs is a great application for university student who want to have the ability to write standard papers 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. All of it boils down to if Docs suffices.

Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the ability to modify text styles that you use consistently, as well as an insertable tabulation.

The desktop version of Word has all the features missing out on from its online offering, implying they ought to be added after the collaborative aspect of the file is finished.

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

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

With the help of expert system, Word Ideas will utilize all its extra features to help users develop the very best document possible. This consists of the layout and writing in total.

For example, Ideas may recommend a header format rather of manually bolding and centering text. Text recommendations might be to eliminate jargon or abbreviations in favor of clearer phrasing.

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

Maybe most notably, Word and its desktop apps provide performance throughout platforms. Those utilizing Microsoft 365 can easily incorporate their PowerPoint slides, Excel sheets and graphs, and other media from the M365 suite into their documents, and vice versa.

Additionally, once files reach a particular length, like when it comes to research study or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. Word is more adept at dealing with long-form files without lag.

Thinking about that numerous companies are currently utilizing versions of Microsoft applications, this permits better crossover when working with other business.

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

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

Desktop apps have the capability to house view publisher site far more functions than a web app, and that can be seen across M365 and Workspace as a whole.

Collaboration

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

Both offerings can be modified by multiple people simultaneously, saving to the selected drive nearly instantly.

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

It is also much easier to share documents quickly through Docs, and the capability to alter permissions for other users appears immediately when attempting to share.

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

While the space isn't as big as some will make it seem, Google Docs is absolutely much better for working together within companies. It is important to keep in mind that you might encounter compatibility issues with other business that do not use Docs. Though Google has stated it will present compatibility with Microsoft documents because the launch of their web apps, they are yet to provide on that pledge.

Given that partnership has been a centerpiece throughout COVID-19, anticipate both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this location.

Verdict

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

If you normally only bear in mind or compose short internal files, it may behoove you to make the most of the collaborative aspects of Google Docs.

If your company exports longer manuscripts for exclusive research or utilizes very specific format, you'll definitely require Microsoft Word. If your business is sending out documents to other organizations, Word and 365 should ensure compatibility.

Remember that the word processors are just one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace productivity suites.

It is most likely that you are not making your choice based entirely on these applications, but the functions found on Word might be definitely necessary and require you towards M365.

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