Google buys DocVerse: Microsoft Office integration with Google Docs likely

Google has bought out a company which allows users to collaborate online with Microsoft Office documents. It looks as if the aim is to make it possible to easily transition between Office and Google Docs.

Rumors of a takeover first appeared in December and are now confirmed by both parties. DocVerse is a plug-in for Word, Excel and PowerPoint which keeps track of changes which multiple users make, whether they are working on or offline. Anytime a user saves a document, it automatically updates a master copy which is accessible at a dedicated website address for other collaborators.

That could be a major advantage for Google Docs which already offers similar features, but only for documents created and managed using Google’s service. If fully integrated, DocVerse could bridge the gap between collaborators on GoogleDocs and collaborators who are still only comfortable working with Office itself. It could also reduce the appeal of Microsoft’s own online edition of the forthcoming Office 2010.

Current DocVerse users will be able to carry on using the service, but new sign-ups have been put on hold while Google sorts out the next steps.

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• Google Docs & Spreadsheets: one step closer to Microsoft Office
• Rumor: Google to acquire DocVerse
• Microsoft argues that Google Docs is inadequate
• Google Docs adding file storage
• Google docs now works offline with Google Gears