For some time now, businesses have more or less had to choose between utilizing solutions provided by Google, or those that Microsoft has developed - exclusively. This was because these solutions offered no real inter-compatibility… until now, at least, as Google now allows users to edit Microsoft Office files in Google Docs.

Couldn’t Office Files Be Edited in Google Docs Anyway?

In a way, yes… but only after the files had been converted to a Google-friendly file format. Once the files had been converted, all editing, commenting, and collaboration tools were available. You also had the option to use a limited toolset through Office Compatibility Mode.

As you might imagine, neither option was exactly convenient to use, for either businesses or private users. However, in the name of collaboration (and more than likely as a means of increasing their market share) Google is rolling out native support for a variety of what once were Microsoft-exclusive file formats.

According to Google, its programs will be compatible with the following file formats:

Word filetypes: .doc, .docx, .dot

PowerPoint filetypes: .ppt, .pptx, .pps, .pot

Excel filetypes: .xls, .xlsx, .xlsm, .xlt

Other Collaborative Google Updates

In addition to the support of Microsoft’s assorted filetypes, Google has also announced that similar features are going to be available through Dropbox Business.

What Does this Mean For Your Business?

In a few words: enhanced collaboration. While we still recommend that you keep your internal solutions standardized, these changes by Google mean that - if you were to use Google’s solutions in your own business’ operations - you wouldn’t need to worry about what solution your business partners and clients utilize.

As for Microsoft - who knows? Perhaps this move will inspire them to do the same, making the choice of a solution truly one of personal preferences.

As a managed service provider, Data Net specializes in ways to help your business run more efficiently. To learn more about the solutions we offer, reach out to us at (760) 466-1200.