Free Hosted Office Apps in the Wonderful World of Web 2.0 The Drawbacks and Future of Web Office Apps Vangie Beal
Free Web-based office applications are appealing. However, there are issues that small businesses need to consider. With the current state of the market, you're likely not going to want to give up your Microsoft Office software just yet. Web 2.0 office applications are still growing and most are still being offered as beta tests to users. For power users, it is also important to remember that a free online word processing application just won't have the same level of functionality and options that most office software packages, like Microsoft Office, have.
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Tech support for Web 2.0 applications is another area of concern to businesses. While in their varying stages of beta tests, today's Web office applications are still fully functional, but most providers do not offer one-on-one technical support. When you need help with the service you may end up e-mailing a request or searching forums and discussion groups for help. You may also want to consider the availability of the application itself. The fact that the application and, often times, your saved documents are hosted online means when your Internet connection drops you can't access the service or files.
Another concern: Many industry watchers continue to debate just how secure your private corporate documents are when left on the servers of a company that makes its dime on searching online content and providing advertisements. It is becoming increasingly important for businesses to set policies for Web application use. Also, make sure you read each service provider's agreement and know how your private corporate information will be used and stored online, and who can access it.
The Future of Web Office Applications
While some of these issues may make you want to think twice about using free Web-based office applications, Web-based services do offer savings in terms of both human resources and money. They can assist in eliminating wasted time as employees no longer need to pass a document around from person to person for approval and editing. With no IT managed software installation and patching or license fees required, Web-based office applications do provide a financial benefit to your bottom line.
Microsoft Word wasn't created in a day, and neither will the new Web-based alternatives to Office. While Microsoft Word and Excel certainly won't be added to any pile of obsolete software any time soon, as long as Web office applications continue to add support for these popular office software products, the emphasis on cost-saving collaboration is enough for many to at least consider adding these services to their collection of office tools.
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.
