Google launched two old services into one new service. This service called as Google Docs & Spreadsheet, that is reincarnation of Writely and Google Spreadsheet.
I think this is a big step towards challenging conventional Office suite like Microsoft Office and Open Office. Both Docs and Spreadsheet support collaborative work. Check this screenshot below:
The question is, will user really use this service? Using Docs and Spreadsheet means that we depend on Google on our daily work. This is not good for business… But the same case was happen before when gmail is launched. We are afraid that this is not good for the business either. But look at current situation, many of you probably use gmail as your primary email. It is slick, has enough (if not big) capacity, and easy to use. Will the same case happens for Google Docs?
Anyway.. there is one big feature that is not available yet. We usually chat when we work… but where is Gtalk in Google Docs?
I’ve been using Google Spreadsheet and Google docs (previously Writely) for months since I don’t have a copy of Microsoft Office for Mac. I like the idea of using online applications because it eliminates the need to upgrade, backing up, and I can access my documents wherever I want whenever I want.
It’s also a good way for small businesses to save costs by using free online applications such as Gdocs.
do you really want to rely your work on google? Not for me, mate.
I only try it so far, never really work with it. I think it will be useful to share documents with friends - only for non-sensitive data (travel plan, …)
For small biz, i think open office is a better one, since we dont have to online all the time.