First Word, now Excel. The BBC is reporting that Google has launched a web-based spreadsheet program on a limited basis, with rollout, one expects, to come over time. It has to be said, this is pretty big stuff - previously, when they bought Writely, it was possible to suggest that google was merely getting a nicer interface for their mail program. The addition of a spreadsheet app, however, makes it pretty darned clear (for those who weren't already there) that Microsoft Office will soon have a very inexpensive (free) competitor.