Google Spreadsheets: Google Spreads It On Concerns for Business Users Vangie Beal
Sadly Missing
Seasoned spreadsheet users will immediately notice the features missing from Google Spreadsheet. Presently, Google Spreadsheets does not provide any support for macros, graphs, multiple page layouts, or cross-linked spreadsheets.
Two people can collaborate in a text chat while editing the spreadsheet. (Click for larger image).
It seems like Google expects you to have a level of intuition to actually find and use some features the application offers. For example, to print a spreadsheet, you have to convert the spreadsheet to an HTML format. While you can do this with a few clicks, it is not particularly intuitive.
The same holds true for hyperlinks within the spreadsheet. To follow a link from your spreadsheet, you need to click the URL and hit the CRTL key at the same time to open the link in a browser window.
Detecting these features will require practice and searching through the Google Spreadsheets FAQ and the "Google-Labs-Spreadsheets" topic in Google Groups.
It's easy to point out what's missing from Google Spreadsheets, but remember two things. First, this product targets individuals and the SOHO crowd. Those folks typically have only a basic or occasional need to use a Spreadsheet program.
Second, Google uses its beta versions to gather feedback, and over time nearly all its services include new features and functions implemented over the course of the beta. We expect to see more features added before the final product release.
Concerns for Business Users
In using Web 2.0 applications, one thing everyone needs to understand is that while you can save or import copies of your file to your hard drive, there will always be a copy of your data online.
Many companies today use spreadsheets for tracking financials and other sensitive data — not the type of information you want to risk by using a free, online Web spreadsheet.
Unlike services provided by online storage or backup providers, you don't get the same level of rigid security and privacy policies you might require, or in the case of businesses, that your clients might require. Google collects data and uses it to generate advertising revenue, and this hasn't changed with the introduction of Google Spreadsheets.
In addition to privacy and security concerns, small businesses also need to remember that using this type of service means that your files are accessible only when you are online — no Internet connection means no access to the files. Also Google does not offer live tech support for this product, so you're left to e-mail or searching the official FAQ and Google Groups list for help.
In a Nutshell
Since its initial beta release in June, Google Spreadsheets has been updated to version 1.1.4, which offers some additional basic functionality options, such as easier cut/copy/paste, as well as better cell formatting over the initial release.
Still, don't expect Google Spreadsheets to run your office or to replace your existing spreadsheet application. It's best suited for people who need a spreadsheet occasionally for personal, some home office, or collaboration tasks. Small businesses as well as individuals interested in the service should only consider it for non-sensitive and non-private data.
Based in Nova Scotia, Canada, Vangie Beal has been writing about computers, games and technology since the early 90s. She's also the managing editor of Webopedia.
