Google Opens Writely Registration

Anyone can now register for Google’s online word processing program, even though it’s still in beta. Google began compiling the Writely waitlist in March and started sending invitations in July. This month, they reached the bottom of the waitlist– so now they can accomodate anyone who wants to use the program.

Writely allows users to compose, store, collaborate and share their documents. It seems like a competitor to Microsoft Office, although PC Magazine in July said it’s no real competition to Word. Online document management probably has its own place, since users can collaborate on a single document and access their documents anywhere there’s an Internet connection.

On Monday, the “Beta Meter” on Writely was at 62 percent, which means that 62 percent of users who took the online poll believe that the program is ready to come out of beta. Users who vote “no” can enter suggestions and comments for improving the program. The decision to move Writely out of beta will not be determined by a certain percentage on the Beta Meter, Mazzon said.

“One hundred percent of people agreeing on one thing? I don’t think so,” she said. “The poll is really a litmus test and it’s been a great way to solicit feedback from people who wouldn’t normally give feedback.”

Although Google did not release a statement about opening registration for Writely, Mazzon announced it on the Writely bloglast Thursday.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 23rd, 2006 at 9:44 am and is filed under Google. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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