Posted by The Foo in Software

So this is yet another battle between Google and Microsoft … Google last week announced the release of their free online Word Processor Writely, a hosted word-processing package that enables users to edit and publish documents online. Here are some of its functionality and features:

• You can share documents instantly & collaborate in real-time.
• Pick exactly who can access your documents.
• Edit your documents from anywhere.
• There is nothing to download - your browser is all you need.
• You can store your documents securely online.
• You can save it to your desktop.
• There is the ability to read and convert from Microsoft Word documents.
• There is offsite storage plus data backup every 10 seconds.
• You can publish directly to blogs.
• It is easy to use with clean, uncluttered screens with a familiar, desktop feel.

I can see this being a hit with the students and the non-corporate world i.e. with Microsoft’s Office Student version being over $150 and “free” is always an absolute bargain. Those prefering the “light” PC without any software installed (and running remote thin client technology) may like this idea too. I don’t see this being a big dent in Microsoft’s armor due to the fact that MS Word is preinstalled in most of the computers today. It also can’t offer the same functionality/ collaboration of Microsoft Office software. However, it does go into direct competition with the recently released Microsoft Windows Live Writer. The big area Microsoft can’t target is the big userbase of free/shareware based products and the loyal Google/ Firefox fan base. It remains to be seen how big Writely will get (if it ever will) and how long it will last.

4 Responses to “Google’s Online Word Processor: Writely”

1. 
   1

   Steve S said: @ 9:11 pm
   August 22nd, 2006 

   
   

   Writely is great. That is, once they fix the hiccups (like the inability to post to blog and the forums). It is BETA, but still. Otherwise, it’s a fantastic service that I am making good use of.

2. 
   2

   kristarella said: @ 9:57 pm
   August 22nd, 2006 

   
   

   Yes!!! I lurve Google!
   I’ll have to check it out, and let my friend know as well because I don’t think she has MSWord.

3. 
   3

   Peety said: @ 7:12 am
   August 23rd, 2006 

   
   

   Thanks for the post - I will give a try !!!

4. 
   4

   Kristyn said: @ 11:23 am
   August 23rd, 2006 

   
   

   This is actually awesome! I’m sure it’s helpful for those interested in web-publishing or collaboration over the net.

   Kristyn

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