Google Docs joins word processor with spreadsheet

Google is set to introduce information-sharing software that combines the company's Web-based Google Spreadsheets with Writely, the word processor it acquired in March. The combination of Writely and Google Spreadsheets seeks to solve the problem of how people manage and collaborate information stuck in different word processors and spreadsheets by giving individuals or groups Web access to the same data.

Google Docs & Spreadsheets, as the hybrid service is now known, marks the latest step by the Web search leader to apply consumer Internet logic to standalone computer programs, a market dominated by rival Microsoft. Google Docs & Spreadsheets is currently in public test mode and available for free. Details are at http://docs.google.com.

- Just tried the collaborative editing feature with shooperman and simontay78. It works great. We could edit a document at the same time, and with the spreadsheet there is even an IRC-like chat window where we can discuss the spreadsheet as we edit it! I noted that ctrl-c and ctrl-v works as expected, and a formula can be copied to another cell.

Shoop commented that this is going to be an MS Office killer. This could solve the document sharing/editing problem that various products have been trying to do over the years, but without universal success. Google now has a shot at that.

Note that Office typically costs more than the Windows O/S itself. With Office and Windows being two of their main cash cows, you might like to recall this quote : "We've analyzed their attack, sir, and there is a danger ..."

(2006-10-11 18:55:44 SGT) [Tech] Permalink

Three storm clouds over retirement savings

business-times.asia1.com.sg :

Singapore is staring at three 'storm clouds' over retirement savings as fertility rates fall, life expectancy rises and family support shrinks, according to CPF Board chief executive Liew Heng San. Mr Liew said that Singapore faces issues similar to those of other countries grappling with underfunded pensions. One is the 'inversion of the age pyramid' as the proportion of people over 60 rises. In Singapore, the total fertility rate in 2005 was just 1.24, well below replacement rate. On life expectancy, one in 12 Singaporeans today is age 65 or older. By 2030, the ratio will be one out of five.

Family support is also shrinking as families get smaller. The proportion of elderly depending on their children as a source of support dropped from 76% in 1995 to 66% in 2005. 'There might be a value change in that elderly parents may now be more reluctant to rely on their children for financial support. With more working overseas we can also expect family support to become more fragile.'

Mr Liew said that the CPF has tried to address the issue of the retirement savings shortfall. Singapore already has one of the highest savings rates in the world. On investments, the CPF is studying ways to lower the cost of investment. The investment experience, however, has not been happy. 'Most of those who invested in the market would have been better off leaving their money to earn interest with CPFB.'

(2006-10-11 13:42:58 SGT) [Biz] Permalink

Namibia plans to use its uranium resources for power production

mineweb.net :

The Namibian government is planning to exploit its rich uranium deposits to commercially generate electricity to achieve self-sustenance in power generation, as shortages loom in 2007, although how it is going to achieve this without any current nuclear power plant plans seems obscure. Namibia is now southern African region's largest producer of uranium, and is the 6th largest world producer.

Namibia imports 45% of its energy requirements from South Africa. Electricity demand peaks at 500 MW, but Namibia can only supply 393 MW if it runs its four power stations at full capacity with South Africa making up for the shortfall. South Africa has indicated that in 2007 it would not be able to meet the region's requirement due to growing demand in the country.

- Everyone and their grandmother is going nuclear.

(2006-10-11 13:18:35 SGT) [Energy] Permalink

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