Just Enough Office

March 10, 2006

Yesterday, Google purchased Writely, a web-based word processor. Today, the technology world is talking about how Google is trying to take on Microsoft Office. 37 Signals point out that Google is really trying to create half an office suite, which seems perfect.

Have you used a macro in Word? I know I haven't and I don't know anyone who has, which is why I have a problem paying for it. Paying $300+ for an office suite that I use 10% of is crazy.

Google's potential approach is incredibly appealing. I don't even need the applications to be free. If they charge $50-100 for a calendar, word processing and spreadsheet package I will happily pony up the cash every year or two. The best part is Google is nearly there with Gmail, Writely and the forthcoming calendar app CL2.

My only complaint will be a lack of desktop equivalent. I just hope they have a great API or build their own desktop applications because the internet is still inaccessible from a lot of places.

This is also a sore reminder than Apple missed the boat on this one. Maybe iWork will grow to include more applications down the road, but they could have done this really well. Google's great, but Apple's design and usability beats out just about every desktop competitor available.

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