Why Google Docs is such a Godsend

Isn't Google Docs just fantastic as a web-based tool? In recent months, the suite of applications has gone from remarkably useful in doing my job, to almost indispensable.

For example, the strength of its collaboration tools mean that it is possible to share information about the structure of the website and new developments with hundreds of people. Admittedly, it has been possible to do this to a lesser extent in Microsoft's applications, but generally we've not access to such tools. Furthermore, it is simple to set the rights for each user on being able to create or simply view certain documents and content.

But some features go even further. On the face of it, Google's spreadsheet package is just a stripped-back version of Microsoft's Excel. But it is the publishing tools that have made it sublime as a news tool.

For example, you can upload data in the spreadsheet, publish it to the web as comma separated values (CSVs), take that feed and put it through another service such as Yahoo Pipes, and then into a mapping product such as Google Maps. I've used it to create mashups for FixMyStreet and local pubs information from my local district council, although a true expert in this field - if you're interested - is Tony Hirst's OUseful.info blog.

And it goes on. Google Forms provides a brilliant way of creating custom forms. Admittedly, anyone with the a little bit of HTML skills can knock up a form, and if you need a proper database function, then this solution is not very heavyweight, but it is the integration with Google spreadsheets that makes it a Godsend.

For example, I'm using one of the forms to accept entries for my 'bloggers from Stoke-on-Trent' page. It was a snap to set up. You just create a form, map out the fields you need and take the embed code and place it where you want the form. There's no attaching Javascript needed to get the form to process the information. Instead, every entry is automatically swept into a spreadsheet, ready for analysis. It's brilliant.

Have you found any other Google Docs techniques that you want to share?