Google to Offer Spreadsheet

Google Inc. will introduce a spreadsheet program today, continuing the Internet search leader’s expansion into territory long dominated by Microsoft Corp.

Although it’s still considered a work in progress, Google’s online spreadsheet will offer consumers and businesses a free alternative to Microsoft’s Excel application -- a product typically sold as part of the Office software suite that has been a steady moneymaker for years.

To avoid swamping the company’s computers, Google’s spreadsheet initially will be distributed to a limited audience.

Mountain View, Calif.-based Google also wants more time to smooth out any possible kinks and develop more features, said Jonathan Rochelle, product manager of the new application.

Google’s spreadsheet isn’t as sophisticated as Excel’s. For instance, Google’s product won’t create charts or provide a menu of controls that can be summoned by a mouse click.

Google shares fell $5, or 1%, to $374.44.