Office and Windows Sitting in a Web
Perhaps stung by all the attention Sun and Google got with its vague announcement
about Web-based productivity apps, Microsoft whipped up an
announcement
of it own. Windows Live and Office Live, set to launch next year, is a series
of collaboration-style services like e-mail, home pages and IM. This is all
OK, but I see far more potential. I’d like a common storage area for files
so I can use any PC anywhere, the way I do to get Hotmail, and not have to use
kludge-like remote control software or carry around CDs or flash drives. This
would combine the elegance of Sun Rays with the ubiquity of Windows PCs.
Google Hates W.
I don’t much care what your politics are, and mine are more mixed up than
a schizophrenic’s iPod, but Google, it seems, has leanings, very strong
leanings, against George W. Bush. When searchers looking for information about
“failure” chose the “lucky” option, they were led to
a George W. bio. In fact, I just tried it and it still works! Looks like some
employee is having a bit of fun, but I find it odd that it still works two weeks
after the story
was first reported.
Some Mild Google Bashing
I make a lot of fun of Google, but only because the press falls all over themselves
to praise the search engine gods, and the company seems to be falling in love
with itself. But I’m glad the company is there to shake things up and
bring a little excitement. However, not everything the company does is as exciting
as the headlines indicate.
Take the recent announcement with Sun that got more press than the Iraqi constitution.
I took a few pot shots at the notion that Google was going to be a player in
productivity software. Redmond News Editor Scott Bekker dug
in deeper and really laid out the waste of space that is the Google Office
story.
Who do you like better, Eric Schmidt or Bill Gates, and why? E-mail your answers
to [email protected].
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What Is Spyware and How Can We Kill It?
The Anti-Spyware Coalition,
a group of 29 vendors, has published a new definition of spyware as well as
advice on how to fight it. The coalition’s view is broad, as it should
be, and includes any software that changes your computing experience, threatens
security, or tracks who you are or what you do.
The Web site is pretty good, but given the serious threats posed by spyware,
it could be better. I hope this group puts some muscle behind standards, public
policy and education. And a few swift kicks to the backsides of spyware authors
wouldn’t hurt either.
About the Author
Doug Barney is editor in chief of Redmond magazine and the VP, editorial director of Redmond Media Group.