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Google’s New Online Writing and Spread Sheet Service
October 12th, 2006
Google launched a test version of a service that lets users create documents or spread sheets online instead of needing to install word processing software on their computers. The Google Docs and Spreadsheets service was a combination of its Spreadsheets program as well as word processing capabilities from Writely, which Google bought earlier this year. The move was part of a “Web 2.0″ trend where software applications are hosted online by companies instead of bought by users and installed on home or workplace computers.
“We took Writely, the web word processor, and integrated it with Google Spreadsheets,” Google product marketing manager Jen Mazzon said in her company blog. “The result is one place where you can create, store, share and publish your documents and spreadsheets online. Keeping your documents and spreadsheets online is a treat because you can access them from anywhere via a web browser.”
Google’s new service was seen by analysts as a rival to the ever-present Word and Excel programs by software giant Microsoft. “I’m looking forward to the day when all my applications are online,” Ken Leebow, author of the book series 300 Incredible Things to Do on the Internet, wrote in a review of the Google service. “Whenever I have an idea or information to place in the book, I just go to the nearest computer.”
Google has revised the respective Writely and Google Spreadsheets interfaces so they are “more identical than fraternal”, and unified the two with one log-in, one help center and a list that shows all the user’s documents and spreadsheets online.
October 12th, 2006 at 11:30 am
We need more services of this kind. Until few weeks ago, I didn’t even own the Microsoft Word processor. All the school papers have to be written in Word. Thats sucks, even though there are other alternatives to do so without even owning the Word.
October 13th, 2006 at 12:34 am
Is there a reason for not including a single link to the services you talk about? Especially considering the fact that you are writing about ONLINE services makes the complete absence of type of link feel somewhat awkward.
I will find the link myself, but I am not so sure about everybody else. Just a thought you might want to keep in mind for the next post
Cheers,
Carsten
October 13th, 2006 at 6:50 am
Point well taken. A link to the test version has been added. Thank you!