Today I got my first taste of Google Docs which Google provides as an online word processor and spreadsheet which is most likely targeting Microsofts Office Suite of products. Microsoft practically built their empire with the Windows operating system and office suite of products over the last 10 years and have up until now, never really had competition that can really give them something to worry about.

Trying to tackle Microsoft head to head in their core business would almost be impossible as they are so strong in the desktop software market however Google have such a strangle hold in the online space that they are in the perfect position to launch a full scale attack from where they are strongest.

I recently read a book by Seth Godin where he talked about how Apple used a similar strategy which have made them the leader in online music downloads, portable music players and soon mobile phone market by using iTunes which then allowed them to tap into their current user base to push more of their products and services which is much easier than marketing to new market. Couple this with innovative products and Apple now dominates this market.

Google has many of us using their search engine daily. We have Google accounts which mean we can easily tap into the growing range on online services Google provides. This is the platform the Google is using to slowing lure Microsoft Office users away from their desktop software as well as providing a link in Adwords reporting offering to view your report in Google Docs instead of downloading it as a csv file which you could then open in excel.

You use it once today, another time in a few weeks and soon enough you’ll find yourself getting dependent on using it and it starts becoming your main choice for word processing or spreadsheet processing. You can’t help being drawn to using it, as you get to save your files online for easy access and also makes it easy to find later… just log in. It’s convenience and it’s FREE.

With Microsoft being such a huge company, it’s hard to imagine Google doing so much damage and it’s even somewhat concerning that Google has so much data domination.

Amazon.com: How to Cheat in Flash CS3: The art of design and animation in Adobe Flash CS3: Books: Chris Georgenes

He’s at it again. Flash master Chris Georgenes has finished his book on how to master flash animation. Chris is a Adobe Community Expert and is a speaker at many events teaching tips tricks and secrets on how to be a better flash animator.

You can order Chris’s book from Amazon or from any from any good book store that knows a great book when they see one.

Also if your love flash, pop into Chris’s Flash forum at www.keyframer.com/forum where you’ll find Chris chatting with many of his fans and occassionly see me moderating the forums there, or you can visit Chris’s portfolio site at www.mudbubble.com, and visit the books How to Cheat in Flash Book Website.

 This was a previous post updated to include the books recently launched website.

Symantec Security Response Weblog: MS Needs Your Credit Card Details?

Being aware of the latest security threats is important as credit card phishing scams are coming out all the time.  Here is one to be aware of that masks itself as part of the Windows XP operating system and sends your credit card details to the attacker.

technorati tags:security

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