Security: http://blog.novedge.com/2007/09/google-docs-sec.html
This individual’s blog post mentions a potential security flaw with Google Docs of where files can be accidentally sent to another random Google account member (explanation of problem: http://google.blognewschannel.com/archives/2007/09/19/google-closes-pres...). Such a flaw can be a major issue if an individual is using this web-based program to send private or sensitive information. In terms of our project, Google Docs is convenient and streamlines file sharing, but we should mention that users should use the program at their own risk, and be knowing of the sensitivity of the material they will be forwarding to other users. Google Docs is much newer than the programs offered by Microsoft and the other file sharing means (email). This article presented a rare situation, but it shows that the security aspect of Google Docs must be evaluated. For the white paper we must also suggest the positive side of security, where Google provides security features, and are continuously updating the software to fix these flaws (next source).
http://documents.google.com/support/spreadsheets/bin/answer.py?hl=en&ans...
This source is directly from the Google Docs help page, once the user has logged on. In summary, the help page(s) claim that a user’s information and files will not be able to be viewed publically or available to any other Google Docs user(s) without explicitly specifying. This help page source will help with the project because it is a reliable source for the program, and it is the basis for the explanation of the security features and limitations.
Features: http://searchenginewatch.com/showPage.html?page=3623714
This article is a brief comparison between the features of Google Docs and the Microsoft Office applications. In general, Google Docs supports only basic files and the features most frequently needed or used within word processing, spreadsheets, and power points. Therefore, the downfalls of Google Docs, in comparison to the programs offered by Microsoft, are the advanced functionality and ability to create unique format elements. An advantage of Google Docs is the ability to quickly share work and maintain one relevant working copy with revision tracking, without having multiple files. Disadvantages of Google Docs mentioned are requiring an internet connection, technical difficulties (error messages), and possible future legal issues with file sharing (especially with businesses). This article will be useful for the project, to provide insight of why businesses should use Google Docs and the flaws in the web-based program, in which the Microsoft Office suite fixes. By having a list of advantages and disadvantages of each program packages, the project should result in non-biased white paper, allowing the target audience (businesses) to decide.
Collaboration: http://docs.google.com/View?docid=d25d3v2_55fzhv2jd4&revision=_latest
This article mentions only the advantages to Google Docs, some of the features and how they can be beneficial to a team, specifically for a business standpoint. Even though the article did not evaluate many specific examples, the argument was for files, Google Docs will save time, be well organized, provide better collaboration, and instantly allow users view changes to a document. The article also mentions that due to Google Docs simple sharing capabilities, issues related to file attachments on emails become irrelevant. In addition, Google Docs supports Google Chats, which will further be helpful for collaboration between team members. Due to the applications offered within Google Docs, users will be able to hold seminars, evaluate budgets, create check lists and manuals, and track work hours. This article will be helpful for the project of explaining how Google Docs will be beneficial to a business and the employees.
Ease of Use: http://desktopvibes.com/five-reasons-to-use-google-docs/
This source briefly describes the advantages to using Google Docs. The focus is “less is better,” in comparison to Microsoft’s programs, which simplifies the work. For businesses, this could mean less time using unnecessary features, and more time spent effectively on the document(s) content. Also, the article makes the point that Google Docs works well with transferring content into other processing programs and vice versa. The only problem with this feature is due to the application’s simplicity, there may be formatting issues. In general, this source considers Google Docs to be nothing but valuable and will greatly assist any user, for any type of word processing needs.
Basic Overview: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Docs
This webpage is from Wikipedia, and provides an overall outline of Google Docs. Even though this may not be the most reliable source (due to anyone having the ability to edit the page), I trust the majority of the information on the page, and especially information that would help our team explain why a business should or should not use Google Docs. Mainly, the interesting headings on this page would include Mobile Access, Limitations, and Security. Mobile Access may be explained within the project for businesses which travel and also require collaboration. For Limitations, the page also mentions the storage capacity of Google Docs, which may be an issue for some businesses. Security, as previously researched, provides several links to other sites which look at potential security flaws. One security flaw mentioned is called “cross-site scripting,” which is an insertion of web-page code that allows an unauthorized access of a user’s account content. Overall, this source provides information which will support or show issues involved with Google Docs.
http://66.102.1.104/scholar?hl=en&lr=&q=cache:M0i6zuhvc7AJ:www.sci.usq.e...
This article is more scholar-oriented, and it focuses on both the positives and negatives of the program. One of the main points made was the ability for Google Docs to merge all revisions into one document, whereas other forms of electronic communication will create many files of revisions. This technique is known as Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW), which allows people to work in groups by the means of a computer network. Also the methods of the way changes to a file in Google Docs are described. Changes made to a document are updated to the servers about every 30 seconds, which minimizes conflicts of multiple editing the same document at once. Some of the faults found in Google Docs were the poor coding format, the lack of support of features for academics, poor formatting transfer from input/output from a file, no offline editing, the program can only be used through an internet browser, and can only share text-based files. The authors of this source also offer several suggestions to improve Google Docs; allow additional file conversion (.pdf), and match offline document changes to the files stored on the servers. In conclusion, this source recommends Google Docs for wide use because it is a “lightweight” application that is simple and easy to use, and any flaws in the program are far outweighed by the advantages.
This article is by an editor for CNET media. The article is basically a summary of cloud computing (the basis of Google Docs) and the relative reliability of this system of computing. The article also has hard numbers to back up the relative reliability of Google’s cloud computing system and traditional computing. This article is useful because it gives us insight into the relative reliability and feasibility of utilizing Google Docs as a business productivity platform as well as a comparison to using Microsoft Word.
This page is by Google and describes the functionality of using Google Docs while offline. There is a list of links to more information about this function. This is important because it is a system function that eliminates one of the criticisms of Google Docs, that is not being able to use the software when the connection to the Google servers is compromised.
This is a posting by a supposed software engineer at Google confirming and describing the offline functionality in the previous post. This is important because it sheds more light on the subject of offline functionality in Google Docs, which as stated earlier, has been a source of criticism.
This is a substantial review of the Google Docs suite published by PC Magazine during October of 2007. The review is useful because it points out the basic features, high points, and low point of the package. These are all sections that will be described in our white paper. The article is from a reputable source, but because it is several months old and the Google Docs package is relatively new and changing, I would recommend verifying all the claims in the review by using the most up to date version of Google Docs.
This article describes the recent additions to Google Docs in the field of PDF uploading and Previewing. This is an important article because, since it is so recent, it highlights an important feature that does not appear in earlier reviews and articles. However, because of the relatively unknown source of the article, I would recommend verifying all of the information in Google Docs.
This is an article highlighting some of the more interesting features of Google Docs. I am unsure of the reputability of the source so I would verify its contents. The article is useful because it has some features that would be useful in comparing with Office or using in a general summary.
This is the main page for Microsoft Office products. I believe this would be a useful database for retrieving information about Microsoft Office, the benchmark we are comparing Google Docs with.
Research: Project 3
Security:
http://blog.novedge.com/2007/09/google-docs-sec.html
This individual’s blog post mentions a potential security flaw with Google Docs of where files can be accidentally sent to another random Google account member (explanation of problem: http://google.blognewschannel.com/archives/2007/09/19/google-closes-pres...). Such a flaw can be a major issue if an individual is using this web-based program to send private or sensitive information. In terms of our project, Google Docs is convenient and streamlines file sharing, but we should mention that users should use the program at their own risk, and be knowing of the sensitivity of the material they will be forwarding to other users. Google Docs is much newer than the programs offered by Microsoft and the other file sharing means (email). This article presented a rare situation, but it shows that the security aspect of Google Docs must be evaluated. For the white paper we must also suggest the positive side of security, where Google provides security features, and are continuously updating the software to fix these flaws (next source).
http://documents.google.com/support/spreadsheets/bin/answer.py?hl=en&ans...
This source is directly from the Google Docs help page, once the user has logged on. In summary, the help page(s) claim that a user’s information and files will not be able to be viewed publically or available to any other Google Docs user(s) without explicitly specifying. This help page source will help with the project because it is a reliable source for the program, and it is the basis for the explanation of the security features and limitations.
Features:
http://searchenginewatch.com/showPage.html?page=3623714
This article is a brief comparison between the features of Google Docs and the Microsoft Office applications. In general, Google Docs supports only basic files and the features most frequently needed or used within word processing, spreadsheets, and power points. Therefore, the downfalls of Google Docs, in comparison to the programs offered by Microsoft, are the advanced functionality and ability to create unique format elements. An advantage of Google Docs is the ability to quickly share work and maintain one relevant working copy with revision tracking, without having multiple files. Disadvantages of Google Docs mentioned are requiring an internet connection, technical difficulties (error messages), and possible future legal issues with file sharing (especially with businesses). This article will be useful for the project, to provide insight of why businesses should use Google Docs and the flaws in the web-based program, in which the Microsoft Office suite fixes. By having a list of advantages and disadvantages of each program packages, the project should result in non-biased white paper, allowing the target audience (businesses) to decide.
Collaboration:
http://docs.google.com/View?docid=d25d3v2_55fzhv2jd4&revision=_latest
This article mentions only the advantages to Google Docs, some of the features and how they can be beneficial to a team, specifically for a business standpoint. Even though the article did not evaluate many specific examples, the argument was for files, Google Docs will save time, be well organized, provide better collaboration, and instantly allow users view changes to a document. The article also mentions that due to Google Docs simple sharing capabilities, issues related to file attachments on emails become irrelevant. In addition, Google Docs supports Google Chats, which will further be helpful for collaboration between team members. Due to the applications offered within Google Docs, users will be able to hold seminars, evaluate budgets, create check lists and manuals, and track work hours. This article will be helpful for the project of explaining how Google Docs will be beneficial to a business and the employees.
Ease of Use:
http://desktopvibes.com/five-reasons-to-use-google-docs/
This source briefly describes the advantages to using Google Docs. The focus is “less is better,” in comparison to Microsoft’s programs, which simplifies the work. For businesses, this could mean less time using unnecessary features, and more time spent effectively on the document(s) content. Also, the article makes the point that Google Docs works well with transferring content into other processing programs and vice versa. The only problem with this feature is due to the application’s simplicity, there may be formatting issues. In general, this source considers Google Docs to be nothing but valuable and will greatly assist any user, for any type of word processing needs.
Basic Overview:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Docs
This webpage is from Wikipedia, and provides an overall outline of Google Docs. Even though this may not be the most reliable source (due to anyone having the ability to edit the page), I trust the majority of the information on the page, and especially information that would help our team explain why a business should or should not use Google Docs. Mainly, the interesting headings on this page would include Mobile Access, Limitations, and Security. Mobile Access may be explained within the project for businesses which travel and also require collaboration. For Limitations, the page also mentions the storage capacity of Google Docs, which may be an issue for some businesses. Security, as previously researched, provides several links to other sites which look at potential security flaws. One security flaw mentioned is called “cross-site scripting,” which is an insertion of web-page code that allows an unauthorized access of a user’s account content. Overall, this source provides information which will support or show issues involved with Google Docs.
http://66.102.1.104/scholar?hl=en&lr=&q=cache:M0i6zuhvc7AJ:www.sci.usq.e...
This article is more scholar-oriented, and it focuses on both the positives and negatives of the program. One of the main points made was the ability for Google Docs to merge all revisions into one document, whereas other forms of electronic communication will create many files of revisions. This technique is known as Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW), which allows people to work in groups by the means of a computer network. Also the methods of the way changes to a file in Google Docs are described. Changes made to a document are updated to the servers about every 30 seconds, which minimizes conflicts of multiple editing the same document at once. Some of the faults found in Google Docs were the poor coding format, the lack of support of features for academics, poor formatting transfer from input/output from a file, no offline editing, the program can only be used through an internet browser, and can only share text-based files. The authors of this source also offer several suggestions to improve Google Docs; allow additional file conversion (.pdf), and match offline document changes to the files stored on the servers. In conclusion, this source recommends Google Docs for wide use because it is a “lightweight” application that is simple and easy to use, and any flaws in the program are far outweighed by the advantages.
Project 3 Research Post 1 - ctomazin
Here are my three sources so far for the research postings:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-9989019-93.html
This article is by an editor for CNET media. The article is basically a summary of cloud computing (the basis of Google Docs) and the relative reliability of this system of computing. The article also has hard numbers to back up the relative reliability of Google’s cloud computing system and traditional computing. This article is useful because it gives us insight into the relative reliability and feasibility of utilizing Google Docs as a business productivity platform as well as a comparison to using Microsoft Word.
http://www.google.com/google-d-s/hpp/offline_en_in.html
This page is by Google and describes the functionality of using Google Docs while offline. There is a list of links to more information about this function. This is important because it is a system function that eliminates one of the criticisms of Google Docs, that is not being able to use the software when the connection to the Google servers is compromised.
http://googledocs.blogspot.com/2008/03/bringing-cloud-with-you.html
This is a posting by a supposed software engineer at Google confirming and describing the offline functionality in the previous post. This is important because it sheds more light on the subject of offline functionality in Google Docs, which as stated earlier, has been a source of criticism.
Project 3 Research Post 2 - ctomazin
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,2209731,00.asp
This is a substantial review of the Google Docs suite published by PC Magazine during October of 2007. The review is useful because it points out the basic features, high points, and low point of the package. These are all sections that will be described in our white paper. The article is from a reputable source, but because it is several months old and the Google Docs package is relatively new and changing, I would recommend verifying all the claims in the review by using the most up to date version of Google Docs.
http://mashable.com/2008/06/13/google-docs-pdf/
This article describes the recent additions to Google Docs in the field of PDF uploading and Previewing. This is an important article because, since it is so recent, it highlights an important feature that does not appear in earlier reviews and articles. However, because of the relatively unknown source of the article, I would recommend verifying all of the information in Google Docs.
http://lifedev.net/2008/01/how-to-become-a-google-docs-power-user/
This is an article highlighting some of the more interesting features of Google Docs. I am unsure of the reputability of the source so I would verify its contents. The article is useful because it has some features that would be useful in comparing with Office or using in a general summary.
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/products/FX100487411033.aspx?pid=CL100...
This is the main page for Microsoft Office products. I believe this would be a useful database for retrieving information about Microsoft Office, the benchmark we are comparing Google Docs with.