| Apr. 14 2008 at 5:36 PM |
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As the internet becomes more and more accessible, would you consider abandoning the MS Word or Excel programs that keep your files on your local computer in favor of a web-based solution like Google Docs? Joel Welsh
chief community officer
StartupNation
and
CEO
Showcase U
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| Apr. 14 2008 at 7:27 PM |
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Yes, as long as there's plenty of storage space (I have tons of documents) and a secure environment.
I already use an on-line service (instead of software) to do all the processing for my payroll service. It's completely paperless (for me and my clients) from start to finish, including direct deposit and electronic filing of all tax returns.
Using on-line applications and services allows entrepreneurs to gain access to features and functions that were previously out of their reach. It saves money by facilitating outsourcing and collaboration.
Effective use of technology levels the playing field and allows small business owners like me to compete with the larger firms. There's no way that as a sole practitioner I could afford the infrastructure that the on-line service gives me.
By the way, Joel, I just recently wrote an article about this in my ezine.
Sheryl Schuff, CPA Sheryl Schuff, CPA
Starting a New Business? Prevent Overwhelm, Shorten the Learning Curve, and Get the Help You Deserve!
Business Startup Success Club
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| Apr. 14 2008 at 7:40 PM |
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I have a genetic indisposition to putting my files where someone else
manages them. Other than backups, I want my files where I store them.
Craig Landes
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Defining the undefinable. "There are 10 kinds of people in the world---those who understand binary numbers and those who don't." - Unknown
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Success = Passion, Patience, Persistence!
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| Apr. 14 2008 at 9:05 PM |
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I voted no for myself but I have clients who use Google docs. One client in particular was using the spreadsheet - it quickly became unwieldy. I much prefer Excel. So I put all the info into Excel and just two columns of info per month on Google. Karen Del’Marmol, VA
Administrative Support Services
http://karendelmarmol.com
The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding one's self in the ranks of the insane.
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| Apr. 15 2008 at 12:19 PM |
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Not for me, thanks.
I spend too much time traveling to locations without internet access (yes, places like that still exist!). Putting documents - or the ability to write new ones - out of reach while, say, on a plane, is not good for my business.
...and, I'm too much of a control freak to let other people manage my files, anyway. I'm with Craig on that one.
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| Apr. 15 2008 at 12:52 PM |
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They are great but let me warn everyone that I am biased because I like Google. If you are using multiple computer platforms like Mac’s and PC’s they are great. You can work on a project at work, on your phone and at home without lugging PC’s around or worrying about compatibility. You can intermix them with locally installed software and share your documents with others that use installed applications like MS Office with no hassles. Best of all the documents can be shared, private or stored locally. That is totally up to you. This is the future. I am sure the problems people are experiencing today will soon go away. Bert at Harvey Software, Inc.
Multi-Carrier Shipping Software and Supply Chain Solutions for Internet Retailers
Also a provider of free shipping information and resources at Harvey Software's Parcel Shipping Blog along with free tracking solutions at TrackingPage.com...
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| Apr. 15 2008 at 1:00 PM |
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Sure why not... you spend all this time and invest tons of money to develop something then simply put it on-line where you have no control of whom gets to see it, use it or sell it. Yup any day now.... ;-) How about any potential legal issues? what if you put your client's info on-line and that gets breached, who is responsible you, your company or the on-line company... Cleanliness the Mark of Elegance
www.DelColl.com
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| Apr. 15 2008 at 2:30 PM |
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My answer is yes. I think a combination of local and web-based word processing is the ideal situation. Google is working on this with their Google Gears program, which will allow you to work on documents locally and it automatically sync changes the next time you're connected. We're working on the same feature for our local business blogging platform.
Test Drive LocalBizBlogs.com, a blogging platform for local small businesses, freelancers, professionals and community organizations. View our demo video!
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