Productivity Software

Google expands enterprise offerings

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 06:59:57 -0500

As you will recall, just a few short weeks ago, Google expanded its enterprise offerings with Google Apps Team Edition, a controversial product that would allow end-users to deploy collaboration software without the IT department's blessing or knowledge. While the dust that the company kicked up with that release still hasn't settled, that hasn't stopped the big G from unleashing yet another piece of web-based productivity software on the corporate world. Last week, the company launched Google Sites, essentially a reworking of the JotSpot online service, which Google acquired in 2006. A sort of companion application to Google Docs, Sites allows users to create documents and websites that can then be collaboratively edited and managed by various members of a team. Additionally, the suite allows users to track tasks, create image galleries and organize their contacts. While it might seem like Sites can perform a wide range of functions, as Ars Technica notes, "...many users may feel that Google stripped out far too many of the rich collaboration tools that originally made JotSpot so appealing." Regardless, it seems likely that the company will continue to improve the service as it has with Docs, in order to inch closer toward a full-fledged online collaboration suite.

For more on Google Sites:
- see this Ars Technica article

ALSO NOTED: Intel unveils embedded 45nm Xeons; Apple's new MacBook Pros get reviewed;

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 06:59:50 -0500

> Intel unveils embedded 45nm Xeons. Article
> VC firms invested $3 billion in clean tech last year. Article
> Apple's new MacBook Pros get reviewed. Article
> Google moves further into productivity software with Google Sites. Article
> Wyse thin clients aimed at virtualized desktops. Article
> Secret APIs in OS X? Article

And Finally... 20 years of HP Deskjet printers. Website

Will desktop apps fall victim to the Web?

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 19:01:39 -0500

Most companies long ago standardized an office suite--generally Microsoft Office. But Web-based word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and other office productivity programs are gaining steam, and many of them are cheap or free. These programs, from heavyweights like Google as well as smaller companies like ThinkFree and Zoho, provide a full suite of office applications and online collaboration tools that are downright attractive both from a cost and functionality standpoint. But weigh the pros and cons carefully; while these programs provide a great value, they don't work unless you're connected to the Internet, and a fast connection is critical.

Learn more about the growing use of Web-based office tools:
- read the article at CIO Today

ALSO:
- Google launches enterprise application suite. Article
- The future of Web 2.0. Article

ALSO NOTED: Services-based IT delivery takes off; tips to make Windows XP work more efficiently;

Tue, 13 Feb 2007 19:01:38 -0500

> Shift from product-led delivery of IT to services-based IT delivery. Article

> Tips to make Windows XP work more efficiently. Download

> Measuring network performance with iperf. Article

> IBM introduces virtualization tools. Article

> 70 percent of websites are vulnerable to hackers. Article

> The trusty spreadsheet still has real value. Article

> Going green doesn't have to cost a bundle. Article

And Finally... IT spending forecast. Article

The pitfalls of going browser-based

Thu, 26 Oct 2006 20:01:35 -0400

There's a huge swell of support to go to the web when it comes to office applications. There are a variety of choices and the ability to house documents in cyberspace that are available from any log-in is alluring. But as an in-depth review of such applications shows, there are some compelling reasons to stay with the tenured desktop suites that everyone's accustomed to, at least for the time being.

For more on Web-based office applications:
- read the review at PC World

Busy "Patch Tuesday" for Windows

Thu, 06 Jul 2006 20:01:39 -0400

Next Tuesday will bring a new slew of Windows security patches, with some deemed critical and some not. The monthly Patch Tuesday will provide fixes for vulnerabilities reported in Windows Office applications as well as Windows systems. The latest flaw identified, and for which a new patch will be released as well, is a bug that impacts Asian versions of the Excel application. While the current flaws require user interaction to advance maliciously, security experts note that they all demand attention.

For more on the latest Windows patches coming:
- check out this article at PCWorld

ALSO NOTED: Moto Q to replace BlackBerry?; Pentium chip prices expected to drop next month; and much more...

Thu, 08 Jun 2006 20:01:33 -0400

> Is it time to retire that BlackBerry for a Moto Q? Article

> The pros and cons of Google's Spreadsheet. Article

> Pentium chip prices will drop when Intel launches the Core chips. Article

> Microsoft recruiting developers to challenge Google. Article

> Availability of large consumer drives will alter the data storage landscape. Article

> Microsoft preps 12 security patches for Tuesday. Article

> City of Boston names new CIO. Article

And Finally... iPods more popular than beer on college campuses? Article