“Google Docs Use Growing Among Businesses” Sarah Kinch
9/22/09
This article is primarily a report on the rapid growth and prosperity of an application recently developed by Google, known as “Google Docs.” While this may be the enterprise’s first word processing program, recent studies show that it’s increasing use in the workplace makes Google Docs a formidable opponent to the Microsoft Office organization. The results of an IDC survey suggest that while Google’s application has not yet been officially adopted by many businesses, individual employees have been making the switch to Google Docs without the permission of corporate IT. In addition, the number of respondents who are planning to use Microsoft 2010 is less than the reported number for Microsoft 2007, clearly demonstrating Google Doc’s rising success in the technological world.
I found this article both informative and extremely relevant to the concepts of Information Technology (IT). The Google enterprise applied their innovative and technological expertise to put their own spin on word documents, which I believe will appeal to a great number of firms and organizations.
To begin, the idea of making this application available on the internet gives the program an accessibility that most other word documents don’t have. In addition, Google Docs is available to use free of charge, which undoubtedly appeals to a wide variety of individuals during this particular time. With the application being free, not only will it attract the attention of those less economically stable, but it’s availability will also appeal to those who may already have a similar application (such as Microsoft Office). Because Google Docs is both online and free, there is no risk to those who are simply curious of the program. This is most likely the reason that so many business respondents in the survey have voluntarily chosen this over Microsoft Office.
Aside from Google Doc’s accessibility, the program itself demonstrates innovative and advanced technology allowing its users to edit documents, prepare presentations, and create spreadsheets online, all while simultaneously communicating with other Google users. This adds a social and collaborative aspect to the world of word processing, allowing Google Doc users to expand the way they see and use word documents. The Google enterprise found a way to apply their technology to this new application that makes it more business-friendly, which I believe could revolutionize the productivity of any workplace.
Google Doc is a perfect display of IT innovation and it’s present and future use throughout firms. While the free version has a great deal to offer, such as word processing, presentations, and spreadsheets, the Google Apps Premium offers programs that are far more advanced and business-oriented. This online package not only includes Google Docs, but also includes Gmail, Google Talk, Google Sites, and Google Calendar. The technological advances of this program demonstrate its ability to process, organize, and support the information of any organization. Google is taking Information Technology to an entirely new level, and shows no signs of slowing down.
http://www.informationweek.com/news/software/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=220001160
I found this article to be of great relevance to information systems because it discussed innovation through the implementation of new software formulated by Google. Microsoft, over the past decade, has been close to monopolizing the computer application industry. All PCs are backed by Microsoft software, which must be purchased aside from the purchase of the computer. These applications such as Microsoft Excel, Work, and Powerpoint have been vitally important to businesses and also for personal use. I find that these newly available google applications will make a big difference in the functioning of businesses because not only are they free, which cuts expenses in a business, but they also are online which allows them to be accessed from any computer no matter the location. Currently scan drives, and portable CDs are used to store information that needs to be transported to another computer but with this creation of google applications it has been made possible to open up documents on any computer by logging onto a user account. Also many individuals are already hooked up to G-mail accounts which will make the transition to Google Apps smoothly. I think that these applications are more business friendly and help with the organization and access within a company. The flip side of this opinion is one that many Microsoft fans will take a stance on, and that is by having all these files stored in google, online, then hackers have more access to important company documents which are extremely confidential. But I think that with the continual improvement of any Google app certain security standards will certainly be implemented.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that this new innovation by Google will help create healthy competition in the software industry. I have been bothered by the changes in Microsoft Office. For instance, my laptop has all Microsoft 2003 software, and every class I take explains things through 2007, but I do not want to spend the money when I know that the 2007 software will shortly be outdated. This is where I think this "Google Docs" has its advantage. But the creditability of Microsoft Office is something Google Docs is going to have to meet. It has been a very trust worthy and useful software since the beginning of desktop computers.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this article, it seems that Google may have created some competition for Microsoft with the creation of Google Docs. I had never heard of this application until I started volunteering at a high school downtown. The students have become quite accustom to posting their documents and it is a great asset to the school, making work available to the students on any computer and also providing another way for a school or company to go green and make use of technology. For the business world, I think the greatest advantage of google docs is that along with similar Microsoft programs it also provides a connection to other Google applications that are helpful to a business. Creating a packaged deal is a smart marketing ideal as both pieces are essential. The only downside I would be caution about is the level of security this program provides both in the office and in a classroom. Because documents are accessible online, it creates the potential for student papers to be replicated and turned-in or for company information or documents to fall in the wrong hands.
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