Google Spreadsheets

Google is launching web-based spreadsheet application called Google Spreadsheets.

Still under beta test, requiring invites to try out this new application; nothing much can be said about the application & its future as of now. But, as I was going through various news articles, people are already claiming that Google is seriously competing with Microsoft by launching this spreadsheet program. In my opinion, it’s just small view of a bigger vision.

For, I believe it’s not just about Google taking on Microsoft or any other XYZ Co., but what Google is trying to achieve is reducing the dependance of the users on an operating system largely.

When we observe the recent moves made by Google, we observe that Google launched Email, Instant Messaging, Calendar etc and now Google Spreadsheets, a spreadsheet application. The straight & obvious advantage of all such applications is availability on the web, so no matter where you are, you’ve access to your information everytime; no more dependancy on the personal desktop PC, that is. Whenever you need to search, share files; you can use Google Search, email/invite people & share the files.

The only skepticism would be the usability of such applications, as they are web based & security of the information. Usability I would define, how responsive the application is while the user is working on it. Well, a web based application is not that responsive in comparison to a desktop based application, but largely all such applications are usable as most of them are javascript based, which gets downloaded once the application is accessed through the Web Browser.

Regarding the security of the data, it’s as secure/insecure that your email account is. Since, it’s password protected, we can say the data is safe/secure till the time you’ve chosen a medium-to-high strength password. But then, most of the desktop pc’s are also not completely safe. It’s a debatable topic, for people also doubt the security/integrity of the provider of such applications.

So, I observe that Google is not competing with Microsoft by launching another Operating System, but they’re eliminating/diminishing the role of the OS itself for the users by offering web based applications & I agree that such approach is right & smart.

It’s hitting the market perfectly with every application it has launched. Now, all these developments could be labelled as Google killing Microsoft or killing similar desktop applications viz. OpenOffice Calc alike.