Rethinking the Spreadsheet

For many of us working on a spreadsheet means working with Microsoft Excel and in the corporate world that is still true almost all of the time. However in the rest of the world alternatives, led by Google Docs, are changing this.

Now at first, you might think the appeal of Google Docs is that it is free vs. what it costs to license Microsoft Excel or Office and that is certainly true.

However what is really happening is applications like Google Docs are changing the way we think and deal with spreadsheets and documents in general. Of course Microsoft is trying to play catch-up with this new way of working, but in general it is difficult for incumbents to adjust if the new way is significantly better then the old way.

So what makes Google Spreadsheets better?

• The ability to access your files from anywhere you have an Internet connection as the web (do a dare use the over-hyped word "cloud") is the file system. This is far different then syncing a local file system to the web. Of course you will still want to properly back up your Google files.

• The ability to use web functions like =GoogleLookup("Roger Clemens"; "earned run average") to present and use dynamic data. Yes I know Roger's ERA is pretty static at this point :). Click here for more details and examples of Google functions
  

• Sharing and embedding files - It is very easy to share your files with your co-workers (individuals and groups) or the public with proper access controls. Embedding these documents in websites gives you a whole new way to share the data in the documents, which is probably why you created them in the first place.

Now at this point Google Docs are not the functional equivalent of Microsoft Office, but since most folks only use a fraction of what Office offers, you may find that Google Docs provide what you need from a "legacy" perspective while opening up a new way of creating and sharing data and information, which at the end of the day is what is all about.

Let me know your thoughts on Google Docs and what new uses you are finding.