I use MS office, Open Office (under duress) and Google Apps. That’s simply not enough office app choice for a budding geek so I’m now using Zoho as well.

Initial observations – nice, really nice. Much better functionality in both writing and spreadsheeting than Google apps, great importing (although it would be good if it worked on MS Office 07 files – bet this will come soon) and pretty fast to boot.

Some PIM functionality needs to be rolled out fast (it is already in prvate beta), and ideally with good cross functionality between google Cals and it.

All and all Zoho have done a sterling job of creating a SaaS/s product – there is a little bit of added value in that;

  • Unlike MS or Open it is web enabled
  • Unlike Google Apps it has pretty full functionality – almost akin to a standard package

They’re getting close to SaaS/v and the modicum of added value is great but they need something a little more, some little hook to create a compelling message that encourages user to use their product.

Ben Kepes

Ben Kepes is a technology evangelist, an investor, a commentator and a business adviser. Ben covers the convergence of technology, mobile, ubiquity and agility, all enabled by the Cloud. His areas of interest extend to enterprise software, software integration, financial/accounting software, platforms and infrastructure as well as articulating technology simply for everyday users.

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