Looks like Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) is sparing no expense -- literally -- in bringing its free Google Spreadsheet and recently-acquired Writely word processing software to all customers who want both products. Both are free of charge, of course. The new "Google Docs & Spreadsheets" program is an extension of the web-based spreadsheet and word processing access Google already provides for free on the web. The new access for the combined word processing and spreadsheet is available here, and a Google account must be created or used.

Does this up the ante on Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: MSFT) regarding its billion-dollar Office software franchise? Well, that's been said ever since Google purchased privately-help Writely earlier this year and later introduced the Google Spreadsheets program to all web users. My guess is that most Microsoft Office users use Powerpoint, Word and Excel more than any other piece of the Microsoft Office productivity package, so Google has two of those bases covered here -- and all you need is a web browser and Internet connection.

It's true that the intricate capabilities of Microsoft Office are far ahead of the relatively simple capabilities that Google's offerings allow, but for millions, what Google offers is enough and will suit then just fine. So, is this another stab at Microsoft by Google? You could say that, but I actually think it's an extension of the stab from earlier this year, and we'll see how Google progresses here. If the Internet search giant can create or buy a web-based presentation tool that emulates Microsoft Powerpoint, then things will really start to take shape.

Think Secret, one of many ubiquitous Apple rumor sites online, has a strong exclusive story indicating that Apple will be including a spreadsheet application in its iWork package called Charts.

Apple used to have a full software suite, Appleworks, that included a spreadsheet application, presenter, and word processor. iWork has slowly been building up to that same feature set, but with a bit more panache. Each step of the way Apple has said it isn't trying to compete with Microsoft's offerings for the platform. They'd very much like to keep Office.

One hopes this is the case. To be honest, losing Office would be a big mistake. Apple needs the familiar for switchers. But sometimes Apple can't help itself, trying to do everything. According to Think Secret's article, sources say it imports Excel sheets and will rival Excel.

It'll be interesting to see how Redmond reacts.

It's terrible, I really don't care. I hear these stories advertised for the 11 o'clock news and I yawn. Another security hole in Microsoft's software? What-ever. We all know Microsoft is as full of holes as that bottle nipple my 14-month-old has been using as a teething toy, from Outlook to Explorer. Pop-ups and worms and spyware, oh my!

Somehow the stories about security holes in Excel are much more disconcerting. I heard the scary music and the shocked-sounding voice of the anchor fueling our desire to watch Live at 11!! and, well, I had to follow up. Immediately visions of those extraordinarily complex financial spreadsheets I've been hoarding came sharply into focus.

First there was news that a flaw in Excel could allow a wily hacker to take full control over a person's computer -- and, in fact, one such attack had been confirmed. Then another bug was announced today. This one would cause Excel to crash after a "malicious file" was opened, and the potential for additional PC commandeering (but none had been reported).

I'm not the only one yawning. Excel competitors are eager to exploit Microsoft's vulnerability and grab users who would be safer in less ubiquitous software. But really, will anyone seriously consider this a knock against Microsoft's profit potential? It's a vicious circle that always ends up with cash in Mr. Softie's bank: you're the most mainstream software provider, and naturally, hackers will find and exploit your flaws. It's just not worthwhile taking advantage of whatever bugs might exist in Open Office or one of the dozens of other competitive suites.

Microsoft stock budged not at all on the news, up a penny to $22.56.

Of course, the next big thing from Google – a spreadsheet – is not new. After all, spreadsheets were one of the first key applications for the PC during the 1980s.

Yet, the Google Spreadsheet is very important, as the company is attempting to turn software into a service that lives on the Internet, not something that has to be purchased and installed.

Don't worry, Wall Street analysts will not dump their Microsoft Excel for the free Google alternative. Then again, this is not the vision for Google; rather, it provides a simple-to-use product. This is not to say it is simplistic. Actually, Google Spreadsheet has a comprehensive set of functions for math, finance and statistics. You can also import Excel spreadsheets (you will not lose the formatting in the process).

However, there are no charts; no printing; and no use of the right mouse button.

After years of different versions, what can Microsoft do to get customers interested in its next version of Office? It has something that should get lots of attention: business intelligence (BI).

It's part of a new product – to be launched mid-year 2007 – called Office PerformancePoint Server 2007.

Google spreadsheets? That's the next salvo in the battle of Microsoft v. Google. Ever since Lotus 1-2-3 was taken down by Microsoft Excel in the mid-nineties, Microsoft has handily dominated the land of spreadsheets. Google will be introducing a new spreadsheet program tomorrow, in a limited release. The company will be accepting signups at 9 a.m. EDT tomorrow on its Google Labs web site.

Thanks to the news, GOOG recovered a bit from its $5.00 drop today in after hours trading, but Microsoft didn't seem to have an equal and opposite affect, also up a bit after a $0.26 drop.