Google offers free software package

Goodbye Writely. Hello Google Docs & Spreadsheets. Watch out Microsoft.

Google Inc. announced Wednesday it is making its word processing and spreadsheet programs free to all who log onto it website. It's the Internet search engine's most recent effort to offer an alternative to Microsoft Corp.'s dominant software applications.

The software package, which is named Google Docs & Spreadsheets, combines a spreadsheet application that Google introduced in June with a word processing program called Writely. The Mountain View, Calif. company bought Writely for an undisclosed amount in March. As part of the expansion, the Writely name will vanish.

Google had been limiting usage of both the word processing and spreadsheet programs, but the company now expects to be able to accommodate anyone who signs up, said product manager Jonathan Rochelle.

Wednesday's move continues Google's attempt to assemble software applications that are linked to an Internet connection instead of a single computer's hard drive. That makes it easier for people to work on the same document from different locations, a convenience that is also meant to encourage more sharing among users with common interests or goals.

Google said the software will available Wednesday.

Source:Xinhua/Agencies