Google is acquiring Writely. The Unofficial Google
Blog covers it nicely here. For anyone who
doesn't know, Writely is an excellently written Web 2.0 application that functions as an online word processor. I think
in some ways the simplicity of it makes it easier to use than Microsoft Word, especially for less savvy
users.
What I find interesting about this is Google's total focus on web-based offerings, and Microsoft's total desktop approach. While this doesn't surprise me in the least, I am not sure that both approaches have no disadvantages. My feeling is that eventually through acquisitions like this one Google is building an online suite of apps to completely dethrone Microsoft's Office and other programs. You may have heard that Google is already working on a calendar app.
1. "Google's total focus on web-based offerings"
Apart from Google Desktop. And Picasa. And Google Earth. And Google Pack. And Google Talk.
"Microsoft's total desktop approach"
Apart from their new focus on web services, including the new Windows Live search that launched yesterday.
Posted at 3:00AM on Mar 10th 2006 by Ben