Today (June 6), Google is expected to introduce a new spreadsheet program aimed at competing in an area that has long been Microsoft’s exclusive stronghold.
Although there is still much work to be done, Google’s online spreadsheet will offer customers and businesses a free alternative to Microsoft Excel – a product that has long been bundled with the Office suite and has had no competitors in the market.
To prevent server overload, initially, Google’s online spreadsheet will only be available to a select group of customers. The company also requires more time to adjust, enhance, and modify features to make this application more appealing.
Google plans to start accepting registrations for the online spreadsheet at 9 AM today (EDT) on several websites of the world’s largest internet search company. However, the company has not disclosed how many people will be granted access to the new application.
According to a Google representative, the online spreadsheet will not be as complex as Excel. For instance, it will not create charts or provide a list of control functions upon right-clicking.
Google also stated that the main purpose of the program is to provide easier access to spreadsheets from anywhere at any time for families, friends, employees, etc.; allowing a group of authorized individuals to add and edit data without needing to send or receive additional email attachments of the spreadsheet.
However, to send and distribute spreadsheets online and to protect information from illegal entities, this process requires users to accept a “trust” mode for any content from Google. This raises concerns about security and privacy. Analysts believe it is not easy for companies to accept a trust mode for any content from a provider, and many users are hesitant due to the potential for government surveillance of their information.
The online spreadsheet is the latest software application from Google, utilizing internet connectivity to operate instead of running on a computer’s hard drive. Recently (March 2006), Google acquired the online word processing application Writely and shortly thereafter launched a new online calendar service.
According to analysts, all such free programs pose a threat to Microsoft, a company that has built and established its reputation through programs like Office and Windows.
VH – (AP)
