Spreadsheet software comparison – how to select an appropriate tool?

According to simplest definition – spreadsheet is a computer application that simulates a paper worksheet. Spreadsheet software displays multiple cells that together make up a grid which consists of rows and columns, where each cell contains some text, numbers or formula (executable cell). In other words, the definition means electronic worksheet with adjustable configuration of rows and columns, and this flexibility is one of the advantages . Also, common spreadsheet software definition says that spread-sheets are often used to work with sales, tasks, nomenclature, taxes, profits and other financial or registration information. There is a certain number of software that provides the functionality and often these tools are very similar in their capabilities, so it may appear a hard task to identify and compare all their hidden or secondary advantages . For this case you may find a number of comparisons and reviews on the Web, but to be really effective in your comparison and avoid informational overload – you should get properly prepared.

How to get prepared for spreadsheet software comparison:
To avoid delving into numerous reviews and making large comparisons by multiple attributes and functions – you should clearly outline your priorities. You need to know what qualities you seek so you can evaluate spreadsheet software advantages by certain predefined requirements which you can focus on when studying reviews . Probably your software list of features should necessarily include possibility of collaboration and spreadsheet sharing, but not all products can offer this. Another important factor is compatibility of software with certain operational system, for example if you are Mac or Linux user – Windows-based software will not work for you (the leader among windows-based tools is MS Excel ). And of course essential factor is prices (there are free and commercial products). You need to accurately study prices before purchasing a product – probably there are some hidden possibilities to save money.

Specific example:
Let's consider a brief comparison with a help of two examples . Let's take classic spreadsheet software Excel and another software that can be characterized as a tool with specificity-oriented spreadsheet functionality –VIP Task Manager.

If you would like to organize task management in your team – there is no need to use Excel (or other shareware examples ) and share one file by turns, because there is a better solution. Proper example of multi-user task management software that provides you with opportunity to use standard or customized to-do lists isVIP Task Manager. This product is designed for simultaneous collaboration of multiple users, so unlike MS Excel, it allows all team members to read and edit one task list supported with multiple attributes concurrently. The prices are designed to fit requirements of simultaneous collaborators, so you can get a volume discount – the more you buy the less is the price per license.