labs.google.com is expected to to announce Google Spreadsheets today. The site for it is already up at www.google.com with a tour and a field for signing up to get an invitation.

Google Spreadsheets already includes import and export from XLS (excel) and CSV (comma-separated values).

A news article is available at news.com.com

Now, the question that first springs to mind is: Will people use it? From a security perspective it at least have to happen over an encrypted connection (SSL), but as spreadsheets are often used for financial data, many companies will be prohibited by law from using it.

This includes the Gramm-lech-blibley act and the health insurance portability and accountability act (HIPAA) which can be read more about on www.secure-my-email.com .

An interesting display of possibilities none the less, and the mix with chat for collaboration is very interesting.

Google already offers hardware solution of its search for companies ( www.google.com ) . Is the next step of the spreadsheet application to host it on a dedicated server in the company, so that everything can be done in-house? to be easily searched using the search solution provided and still be secure.

I wouldn't be surprised if google releases a collaboration suite on dedicated hardware at some point.