I like owning things, and I distrust things that are free. That is why I thought Googles new online spreadsheet and word processing applications called Google docs was a bad idea. However, I decided to try it out after listening to the podcast Gillmor Gang.

First impression – there is something missing

The first thing I noticed about Google Docs, is what it is lacking compared to a standard office suite. It had the basic stuff, but a lot of the more advanced functions i missing.

Second Impression – I can’t live without it

After using it a couple of days, I realize that I’ve grown quit addicted to a couple of function.

The collaboration possibilities are absolutely amazing. Within a few clicks you can invite someone to view or collaborate on the document. It is a lot easier than saving it, emailing it and waiting for the response. It is actually possible to be two (or more) persons working on the same document at the same time, or several persons can share a document.
I think this function actually makes it possible to compete word since you don’t have to export it out, you can just invite people in, all they need is a computer with internet connection.
It works on almost all platforms. I often use several different PCs during the day, running XP or Linux. When doing that it is just a thrill to have a system running on all platforms (without installation).

The third thing which has gotten me hooked is the document handling. It is very handy that they are all in the system – No matter from where I connect. I don’t have to waste my time exporting things and saving it on different media and transferring it. Another
advantage is, that if the laptop i stolen, no documents is on it.

And the winner is…

All in all I’m a lot more fund of Google Docs now than before I used it. Most of the time I don’t miss the advanced functions – because I was not going to use them for the document. And I have become really fund of the new functions Google docs has. But a lot of it comes down how much one trusts the service provider – Google.
Comparison

Advantages of Google’s service:

• Free – as in beer
• Platform independent: Requires a browser and a connection
• Avoid losing your documents with the laptop
• No wasting time moving documents
• Amazing collaboration possibilities

Advantages of regular Office:

• Once you own it – you own it!
• More advanced in most area than Google Docs
• Keep your documents safe by not saving them online
• The default document format