Google Docs is a collaboration site for users to post, share, and create word documents, spreadsheets, presentations, drawings, and PDF files. I have used Google Docs in the past to work on a resume with the aid of someone else. It was very useful to have the updates happen and be able to view them without having to email back and forth. I think Google has done a good job of making a useful tool for basic office tasks, that doesn't have Microsoft's stamp on the site. More and more, professors in online courses have encouraged me to use this tool, which has indeed come in handy.
Google Docs is meant to be a one stop office suite which can be accessed anywhere. It allows users to download all files in their most popular of forms, including OpenOffice and Microsoft standards. Users can store up to 1GB for free on the site or pay $5 for 20 GB or $20 for 80GB per year. It is a very good deal for those who use the site often enough to warrant an upgrade in space. The site could also be solely used as a backup service for documents similar to DropBox, but with the option of editing and collaborating with others.
A business could sign up new hires instantly with a Google username so that they are more encouraged to use Google Docs. Also, since a business may also have its own backup solution, it could used only as a collaboration tool. For small businesses looking for inexpensive backup options, Google Docs could be the way to go. The site's Wikipedia page also mentions offline versions of Google Docs coming in the future, which could save businesses a lot of money in licensing to Microsoft for office products. This could change the way Microsoft handles the pricing and packaging of their office suite.
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