Google CEO announced that it plans to add presentation software to its Google Docs Web-based tools for word processing, e-mail and spreadsheets, according to U.S. media reports Wednesday. (File Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, April 18 (Xinhuanet) -- Google CEO announced that it plans to add presentation software to its Google Docs Web-based tools for word processing, e-mail and spreadsheets, according to U.S. media reports Wednesday.

    Eric Schmidt, Google Chairman and Chief Executive, described the software at a conference for Internet entrepreneurs Tuesday.

    He said that Google would add the ability to generate and share presentations to the Google Docs line-up, but Schmidt denied that the online tools are aimed at luring people away from Microsoft.

    "We believe we can bring presentations to a new level of user satisfaction," he said. "We don't think it competes with Microsoft, because it doesn't have all the functionality of Office. It's a different way of sharing information, more casual, and a better fit to how people use the Web."

    However, Mike McGuire, an analyst at researcher Gartner, said, "it's getting harder to take comments like that at face value. Of course Google is taking on Microsoft. Microsoft has lots to worry about."

    McGuire doesn't think Microsoft's large base of corporate clients will immediately abandon Office, "but for individuals, Google is offering a strong, free alternative, and people will look at it very seriously."

    People use Google's new software over the Internet and can simply log in from any computer through a Web browser, comparing with that Microsoft Office must be installed on an individual computer.

    Google would not release more details about the new software, though product manager Rajen Sheth said users would be able to store documents online and let anyone with a free Google account view the slides, spreadsheets or documents online.

    It's expected to be available this summer, it said.

    (Agencies)