That Google is at is aggressive best in terms of competitive spirit is evident from the fact that the company is planning to take on the new Apple iPad with its own tablet device; and has intensified its competition against Microsoft with the recent updates to its Google Docs suite of Web-based programs to challenge Microsoft Office.

Already, Google's Android mobile operating system is a direct rival of the Apple iPhone; and the buzz about Google powering tablet PCs will only take the rivalry a step further. As of now, till Apple launches its iPhone OS 4.0, the Google Android OS has a leading edge in the sense that it can multiple programs simultaneously - a feature that is lacking in the current version of the iPhone OS.

Meanwhile, Google has updated its Docs with new features, the most notable among them being - a margin ruler in word processing; improved numbering, bullets and image placement and movement; enhanced spreadsheet program with faster scrolling and a new formula editing bar; and collaboration in real time.

Noting that Google is aiming at "the 80 percent solution" for its products vis-a-vis the rival products, the company's CEO Eric Schmidt said: "Our applications are not full replacements for the incumbents. Our strategy is to get to 80 percent; we think we can provide some real value."