By Tolly, Kevin TOLLY ON TECHNOLOGY * When Google talks, people listen. Therefore, when Google offers alternatives to Microsoft, it is prudent to consider their impact. Google Docs & Spreadsheets, now in beta, is a multipronged assault on Fortress Microsoft.

By Tolly, Kevin TOLLY ON TECHNOLOGY As Network World turns 20 next month, the editors have asked columnists to opine about some technology flops of the era. A variety of possibilities came up, but token ring was offered up as a prime candidate. Yes, it's gone, but it was never a flop.