Rocktails Blog > Google applications ... true mobility and resilience?

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> Google applications ... true mobility and resilience?

Richard Jones, iMagineer-in-Chief // 11 March 2007

Google continues its evolution from search into online applications with Google Docs & Spreadsheets. Obviously no time for a fancy naming or slogan session at Google HQ : this one does exactly what it says on the tin.

Google bought the niche online word processing engine Writely some time ago. This has basically been repackaged, offering a neat (if basic) facility to create, modify, share and store documents online. It supports the main text formats for compatibility purposes : Word, OpenOffice, RTF, HTML and txt. It includes a handy spell check facility. All documents are stored on Google's own servers so whilst it is sensible to keep your own hard drive copy this adds resilience and - crucially - true mobility. Your documents are available anytime, anywhere provided you can find a web connection.

This really is just the first step towards online applications that can rival leading packages such as Microsoft Word. The interface is functional and basic, as are the features on offer. The look and feel is very much akin to basic online email facilities. Much is being made of Google stealing the march on Microsoft in taking this sort of thing out into the mainstream but the truth is it is a million miles away from a "killer application". It serves a purpose - especially for those who need to collaborate on documents, or blog, whilst on the move. But it has a slightly bargain basement feel. Sure it is accessible, and does not trouble even the most basic of internet connection or 90s processor power. But if computing on the web is now supposed to rev and thrill like a Porsche why stick with something that feels a bit like wobbling around the car park on a tricycle?

Personally my favourite Google application remains Picassa. In many ways that has the sophistication, elegance and ease of use that you would like to see across a suite of Google branded applications.

But Google is one smart organisation, with wads of cash to burn and in theory packed to the gills with the best innovators, business brains and brand cachet that money can('t) buy. Just how long are they going to stick with that iconic, uncluttered homepage...

As their rivals might say : "I don't like it. It's too quiet..."

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