Online Office Suites: Contenders or Pretenders?

Although many people are still wondering whether they should upgrade to the newest version of Microsoft Office, some people are considering a completely different alternative. The question isn't whether or not to upgrade, it's whether to install software on your computer or access it online!

The idea of online applications has been around for a while now, but its biggest feature was also its biggest pitfall - online accessibility. For those of us with dialup connections or limited Internet access, online applications weren't much of an option. No one wants to be limited to using their word processing or spreadsheet application only when they have Internet connectivity. However, as broadband Internet connections have become increasingly common, permitting 24/7 access, the concept of online applications is being revisited.

One of the companies providing online applications is a familiar name - Google. Google Docs provides word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation applications, but no database software. Of course, Google also has GMail and calendar features, but they aren't integrated with Google Docs the way Microsoft Outlook integrates with Office.

But, Google's not the only company trying to give Microsoft a run for its money. Zoho, ThinkFree Online, and Glide also offer online alternatives. In two recent articles, Information Week reviewed and compared these four options. The first article covers Google and Zoho, while the second explores ThinkFree Online and Glide.

There are benefits and disadvantages with all of these choices. On the plus side, many of the applications are free or low-cost. Due to the fact that your work is often stored online, accessing your files from various locations is much easier - no more worrying that you left that important presentation file at home. In the same vein, online access makes collaborating with others simpler too. However, disadvantages still surround the online concept - what happens if you can't access the Internet or the application's server dies? Depending on the application, it may not be possible to back up your work to your own computer, so you need to be sure the company and your Internet service will be reliable. Some of these products will work with existing Office documents, while others may not. And, the level of functionality and features offered may be less than what Office users are accustomed to.

Discussion Questions for Students
1) Do you think the benefits of online applications outweigh the risks?
2) Have you tried any of these applications? If so, how was your experience with them?
3) Would you be willing to forego fancy formatting options and other design features for an application that can produce basic documents for minimal (or zero) cost?
4) Would you consider using an online application as a secondary tool - to supplement but not replace a more conventional application that is installed on your computer?
5) How do you think these online applications remain profitable with their current pricing structures? Do you think the costs may rise if they become more popular?