The Google Office suite of tools receives a new important update that makes the product easier to use and accessible for more users, even for the ones without a Google account. Basically, Docs & Spreadsheets now allows you to view the shared documents without logging. The procedure is quite easy: every time you invite a user to view a document created by you, he will be able to open it without having to login into his Google account.

All you need to do is to enable the "Invitations may be used by anyone" function included in the Share tab. If you choose to disable it, you're limiting the access to the documents only for the invited people.

"It's no longer necessary to have a Google account to view a document or spreadsheet from an invitation link. That's right, we heard the message loud and clear -- our users were tired of having their collaborators delayed by pesky sign-up pages before even seeing the document or spreadsheet you shared with them. No more: now anyone accessing a document or spreadsheet from an invitation will be able to view it," the Docs & Spreadsheets team said today.

Google Docs & Spreadsheets is often regarded as the most powerful competitor for Microsoft Office because it offers almost the same functions but in online mode. And the most important advantage is obviously the freeware license that allows the customers to use the service without paying for it. The Mountain View company is also preparing a presentation tool to compete with Microsoft's PowerPoint, also available for free just like the other utilities included in the suite.

The competition is getting more and more important, Google developing several flavors of the Office suite for multiple types of users. You're now able to get Google Apps for Free, for Premium customers and for Educational purposes.