OK, it's official. Google is seriously entering the office space. They've just purchased Writely, an online word processor. http://news.com.com/Google+buys+Web+word-processing+technology/2100-1032_3-6048136.html I have my speculations as to where this is going. Ballmer recently stated that OpenOffice is 10 years behind MS Office, because now it's all about collaboration, not just documents. Well, having an online office suite, including email (for your domain), calendar, word processing and probably more, coupled with infinite storage will be enough to win over many a business. Thoughts?
I don't think that a lot of businesses will trust their business-critical and proprietary data to Google. Perhaps the consumer market?
Once it comes out of beta, I think most small businesses would opt to go with Google, which will be free and accessible anytime, anywhere; instead of exchange or otherwise
You can't go wrong with increased efficiency for free. I can see this taking off, once as frankcow said, it's out of beta which may take some time .
Wow, Google is a fascinating company... I wish I could see into the future a few years! This wordprocessor could be a huge hit for smaller business and organizations, no doubt!
I believe that is where they are headed. They will offer a business edition at a charge with secure servers and the works. Now everyone in the office or offices across the world will have easier access to all their information. Google has the trust already, they would just have to back up the product with guarentees of security and backups.
I will definitely use this product over the web for my basic writing. I absolutly hate opening up word. Word takes forever to load, and I find it hard to work in. I much prefer using a basic text editor, for most things. As far as writing up quotes, invoices or business critical writings, I think I will have to wait and see what google does first. My first impression is I would rather this info be local.
I've got to agree with Will on this. As a businessman, the integrity and security of my data is critically important. I'd never, never, never use a free product. As a consumer, sure I would. /*tom*/
Most of the businesses wont trust google with their crucial data, but a lot of people across the world (Students, Retired guys, housewives etc), would definitely enjoy this free service.
This could be a first step to offering a more secure paid version of the service for businesses. Offering a free product to the consumers gets their loyality if the product is well maintained and easy to use. Making a feature rich business addition with the right amounts of security at an attractive price for businessess will get them alot of companies that will test their service out.
Feels good to hear that the BIG G is making their market wide... I guess moving a step closer to Microsoft... Manish
I'm wondering if G still follows 70-20-10 ? Seems like they've reduced the 70 allottment to their core business.