Google ought to get the de-facto credit for moving the larger world “online”. Just think about the word “search” and you will see why. Seemingly limited to only the world of techies, the word “search” is now one of the most searched keywords in the world. You get 25 billion + results for “search” as compared to what you would get for the same keyword10 years back. Now imagine the number of people that have benefited from Google and its simple-to-use search.
So… when Google says online, they really mean “online”.
But I fail to understand why Google is taking this huge detour from its standard course when it comes to Google Docs & spreadsheets? Why is data sharing and collaboration so painful with Google Docs?
While productivity software has never been Google’s biggest strength, why do they continue to spend years on adding Microsoft Excel-like business tool functionality in Doc’s structure? Isn’t it true that the users who opted to go online continue to seek better ways to collaborate and share online.
# Start fast without sweating
# Add a bunch of data in rows and columns with minimum clicks & in maximum ways
# Share data without maintaining multiple copies
# Keep control of your data while you collaborate with your team and friends
# Allow users to work real time, edit and share more (if need be…)
# Stay informed as things progress or with zero progress
# Access from anywhere using any device
# Throw up a few suggestions as my data grows to optimize the way I work
These “asks” are very simple. Its not like we would like to work offline with Google Docs. But in our minds these little points have a host of issues in Google Docs. Let me explain…
# You cannot start using Google Docs without a Gmail ID. I should be able to start without creating a new email ID. Maybe I can leave this task for later.
# Yes, I do have an option to import an Excel file or just copy-paste data in the rows and columns or directly add data via some forms that‘s been created. But, I should also be able to add a web-link or a RSS feed for data to be fetched automatically and arranged in my Google spreadsheet. Why not Facebook stat export straight into Google Spreadsheets?
# While Google Spreadsheets is online, why doesn’t it go beyond versioning and creating multiple copies of the same data? What if I want to share different filters of the same spreadsheet for others to update and make my life easier?
# Collaboration in Google Docs allows multiple edits in a spreadsheet and also the ability to chat with other viewers and collaborators. Though this sounds impressive, it takes away all the control from my hands. I want to have complete control of the data that I own. How about a partial view? And btw, why doesn’t this feature work always…
# Have you tried sharing a portion of a Google spreadsheet with your team members. There is no way I can do it without copying the data and pasting it on a new sheet. This increases redundancy. There should be an option where I can just share a part of my spreadsheet – isn’t it?
# Google Docs gives email notifications when the shared spreadsheet is accessed and updated but it does not alert me if data is deleted and other volumes of data changes based on a specific time frame. We really need that…
# Multiple apps have come out on the Android and iPhone market to access Google Docs data. It is all very impressive. Have you ever been comfortable managing a huge spreadsheet from a 3.5inch screen?
# Finally, I always need to plan and figure out everything I want to do with my data in Google Docs. The tool is not intelligent enough to throw up a few suggestions to make data work harder for me. What can Google - “my next brain” do for me?
Sorry, we hate being the crying type. Hence CollateBox…
We are here (almost…) with something “Better than Google Docs” to share data online.
Sunny Ghosh
Founder, CollateBox Inc
