If you run a business then the odds are your going to need to use a word processor, spreadsheet or slide show software in your business. So like most businesses you go out and drop $200+ on Microsoft office and your business is ready to go.
Did you buy Microsoft Office?
Today you don’t have to use Office anymore. There are online applications that are not only superior to Office but are Free. Two of these applications are Zoho and Google Apps.
Have you tried these applications?
If you have not tried them then I suggest you do. One of the neat features of these products is that you can access your documents or spreadsheets anywhere. Instead of keeping multiple copies on various machines an online version makes it easier to access the information and share it.
Do you see these applications taking over Office?
I see in the future that these types of applications will over take Office and computers will similar to the gPC computers with just an Internet browser.
If we were to integrate Zoho into our cPanel would that have value?
Matt
November 24, 2007 12:00 pm
I still use Office. I’ve tried Google Apps, and even OpenOffice, but I still find that Office is the most feature-full and has the best interface.
Of course, I do sometimes use Google Apps for the collaboration and revision control features.
I don’t think that Google Apps is on par with Office, yet. Microsoft does have the advantage, though, since it’s much easier to add features, since they don’t have to worry about browser compatibility…
Dr. Cossack
November 24, 2007 3:04 pm
If I still use Office? Of course, for several reasons!!
First of all, I don’t find those online aps to have as many features as the true Office suites. While all of the obvious things are there, when you want to do some advanced formatting, you quickly run into a wall.
Second, “keeping multiple copies on various machines” is completely outdated by several years. I put all of the documents I need to access often on my USB memory drive, which I carry around my neck. That way, I always have access to my documents no matter what computer I happen to be using.
Third, those apps require you to have a constant access to the Internet in order to access your files. I do quite a bit of work during my daily train commute, where I don’t have access to any sort of Wi-Fi connection. Besides, in case of a network outage, you’re out of luck.
There might be some interest in those Internet apps, for some specific contexts, but I won’t be switching over anytime soon.
Tim Johnson
November 25, 2007 8:00 am
I use Zoho heavily. As the suite has become better with time, I find myself needing Office less & less. Particularly the Writer part has come a long way, while spreadsheet & presentation still need work.
Arvind
November 25, 2007 9:46 am
Tim : Thanks!
>> the Writer part has come a long way, while spreadsheet & presentation still need work
You are in for a treat pretty shortly! Am not saying any more ;-)
To the Bluefur folks : Nice knowing that you are looking into the possibility of integrating Zoho! Do contact Ian Wenig at ian(at)zoho(dot)com for partnership enquiries.