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

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 considering whether your business should utilize 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 act as cloud-connected writing centers, but the significance of your files might shape your choice.

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

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

Rates

Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are priced per user, monthly, and have various tiers of pricing. As it pertains to Word and Docs, the difference in tiers normally just affects storage space and schedule of the Word desktop app.

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

Microsoft uses 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.

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

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

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

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

One TB of area on Microsoft's the majority of economical offering would be more than enough to house all of your Word documents and plenty more.

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

Functions

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

Google Docs is an excellent application for university student who wish to have the ability to compose standard documents with little formatting 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 comes down to if Docs suffices.

Docs does have some functions that Word online does not, like the capability to edit text designs that you utilize regularly, as well as an insertable table of contents.

The desktop variation of Word has all the functions missing out on from its online offering, suggesting they need to be included after the collective element of the document is finished.

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

Word also has a deep library of design templates that help to create the most visually striking files you can. This makes design easy, as the user only needs to replace placeholder text and images, and input brand colors.

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

For example, Ideas might suggest a header format instead of by hand bolding and centering text. Text ideas may be to get rid of lingo or abbreviations in favor of clearer wording.

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

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

Furthermore, when files reach a certain length, like in the case of research or manuscripts, Google Docs becomes weighed down. https://itleaders.com.au/it-support-services/ Word is more adept at dealing with long-form documents without lag.

Considering that many services are already utilizing variations of Microsoft applications, this allows better crossover when working with other companies.

M365 users will likely have less issues opening documents from other business, a countless 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 even more functions than a web app, which can be seen throughout M365 and Workspace as a whole.

Collaboration

The applications within Microsoft 365 were constructed as individual, totally formed programs, with the capability of online collaboration added later in their life. Meanwhile, Google Workspace was constructed with partnership in mind, leaving a few of the heftier features behind.

Both offerings can be edited by numerous people concurrently, saving to the selected drive practically immediately.

Word lags somewhat in contrast to Docs, particularly when working out of the desktop app. Originally, it was not possible to send a collaborative link in Word online, but that feature has actually considering that been included.

It is also much easier to share files quickly through Docs, and the capability to alter authorizations for other users appears instantly when attempting to share.

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

While the space isn't as big as some will make it appear, Google Docs is certainly much better for working together within business. It is important to bear in mind that you might face compatibility concerns with other companies that do not utilize Docs. Google has said it will roll out compatibility with Microsoft files given that the launch of their web apps, they are yet to deliver on that guarantee.

Considered that collaboration has been a centerpiece during COVID-19, expect both suites to continue to concentrate on growing in this area.

Verdict

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

If you usually only remember or write 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 proprietary research or utilizes really particular formatting, you'll definitely require Microsoft Word. If your organization is sending out files to other organizations, Word and 365 must ensure compatibility.

The word processors are only one piece of the Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace efficiency suites.

It is most likely that you are not making your choice based entirely on these applications, however the features found on Word might be absolutely necessary 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 partnership up until the present day.