The Google Docs Edge

Cloud computing is considered by many experts as the next huge wave in the internet world. It may be a new industry, but many businesses see great potentials in it. And one of these firms taking full advantage of this resource is the search engine giant Google. Among the many applications that has found such a huge following is its online office suite Google Docs.

Considered as one of Google's crowning achievements in enhancing work productivity, Google Docs is considered as a “software as a service” version of your typical office suite. With Google Docs, you can create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations using the application itself, import your files directly through the web, or even send them as part of your e-mail. You can also edit your existing files using Google Docs. If you want to keep a copy of your file when you go off-line, you can also download the file straight into your computer.

Google servers automatically save your files to prevent memory loss, and they would keep a tab of revisions you have made on your document. You can also tag and arrange you archives in a way you see fit. And you can save them in formats supported by other software office suites. The following formats are currently supported by Google Docs: ODF, HTML, PDF, RTF, Text, and Word files. At present, Google Docs is supported by the latest versions of Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, and Chrome browsers. Also, the software suite can function under Microsoft Windows, Apple OS X, and Linux operating systems.

One of the features of Google Docs that has attracted users is its collaboration system. It enables a user of the program to share his files to other parties either to be viewed, edited or shared with others. This is an especially important function when working with a team whose members are in different locations. Other websites also offer document-sharing features, but only Google so far has offered this service for free. Also, more users prefer Google Docs' advanced sharing features and better accessibility.

With the advances made by new technologies such as cloud computing, it won't be surprising that more and more websites will be taking advantage of its huge potentials. Google Docs is just part of the beginning. Other websites surely offer more products and services to its users. And a lot more can be expected in the years to come.