Apple Numbers - Detailed Review
Productivity Tools
Apple Numbers - Product Overview
Apple Numbers Overview
Apple Numbers is a versatile and user-friendly spreadsheet application developed by Apple Inc., integrated into the iWork productivity suite alongside Keynote and Pages. Here’s a brief overview of its primary function, target audience, and key features:
Primary Function
Apple Numbers is designed to help users create, edit, and manage spreadsheets with ease. It offers a unique approach by using a free-form “canvas” where tables, charts, graphics, and text are treated as peers, rather than the traditional spreadsheet model where the table is the primary container.
Target Audience
Numbers is used by a diverse range of individuals and organizations, including students, educators, small business owners, financial professionals, and corporate teams. It is particularly popular in industries such as creative sectors, education, small to medium-sized businesses, startups, and among freelancers and independent professionals.
Key Features
Templates and Canvas
Users can start with over 30 Apple-designed templates for various tasks like home budgets, checklists, and invoices. The app features a flexible canvas where tables, charts, text, and images can be placed anywhere.
Real-Time Collaboration
Numbers allows real-time collaboration, enabling teams to work together on a spreadsheet simultaneously across Mac, iPad, iPhone, and even PC.
Data Manipulation and Visualization
The app includes powerful functions for data entry, formulas, and data visualization through interactive charts such as column, bar, scatter, and bubble charts. Users can also filter large tables and use pivot tables to find patterns and trends.
User Interface
Numbers offers an intuitive interface with features like an intelligent keyboard for easy data entry, the ability to draw and write with Apple Pencil, and tools to reorder, resize, and customize tables and other objects.
Integration and Sharing
The app integrates seamlessly with other Apple products and allows users to import and export files in various formats, including Excel. It also supports iCloud for cloud-based storage and collaboration.
Overall, Apple Numbers provides a unique and user-friendly approach to spreadsheet management, making it an attractive option for those within the Apple ecosystem who need efficient and visually appealing spreadsheet functionality.
Apple Numbers - User Interface and Experience
User Interface of Apple Numbers
The user interface of Apple Numbers is renowned for its simplicity, intuitiveness, and visual appeal, making it an excellent choice for users across various skill levels.
Interface Design
Apple Numbers adopts a free-form “canvas” approach, differing significantly from the traditional table-centric design of other spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel. This allows users to place tables, charts, text, and images anywhere on the document, creating a more flexible and creative workspace. The interface is characterized by a minimalistic toolbar and optional sidebars, which are easy to use even for new users. The toolbar includes clear headings such as Insert, Table, and Chart, while the sidebar features tabs like Table, Cell, Text, and Arrange, making it easy to find and use the various options.
Ease of Use
One of the standout features of Apple Numbers is its ease of use. The app boasts an intuitive and user-friendly interface that makes it simple for anyone to create and manage spreadsheets, even if they are new to spreadsheet software. The drag-and-drop functionality simplifies the process of adding tables, charts, and other elements to your document. Additionally, Numbers offers over 30 Apple-designed templates for various tasks such as home budgets, checklists, and invoices, which can help users get started quickly and beautifully.
Real-Time Collaboration
Apple Numbers supports real-time collaboration, allowing multiple users to work on a spreadsheet simultaneously across different devices, including Mac, iPad, iPhone, and even PCs. Users can see who is currently in the document, view other people’s cursors to follow their edits, and see a list of recent changes. This feature is particularly useful for team projects and ensures that everyone is on the same page.
Visual and Interactive Elements
The app allows users to animate their data with interactive column, bar, scatter, and bubble charts, making data visualization engaging and easy to interpret. Users can also easily filter through large tables and find patterns and trends using pivot tables. The ability to add photos, music, and videos with the Media Browser and enhance spreadsheets with a library of over 700 editable shapes further enriches the user experience.
Cross-Platform Compatibility and Cloud Integration
Apple Numbers is available on macOS, iOS, and can be accessed via a web browser, ensuring that users can work on their spreadsheets across multiple devices. The seamless integration with iCloud allows users to save their spreadsheets in the cloud and access them from any device with an internet connection, keeping their data always at their fingertips.
Additional Features
For users who prefer handwriting, the Scribble feature automatically turns handwritten numbers and data into typed text, which is particularly useful for iPad users with an Apple Pencil. The app also includes Smart Categories, which help organize and summarize tables to provide additional insights quickly.
Conclusion
Overall, the user interface of Apple Numbers is designed to be clean, intuitive, and highly functional, making it an excellent choice for users who want to create visually appealing and effective spreadsheets without the steep learning curve associated with more complex spreadsheet software.
Apple Numbers - Key Features and Functionality
Apple Numbers Overview
Apple Numbers, a part of the iWork suite, is a versatile and user-friendly spreadsheet application that offers a range of features, both traditional and AI-driven, to enhance productivity.
Templates and Customization
Numbers provides over 30 Apple-designed templates for various tasks such as home budgets, checklists, invoices, and mortgage calculators. These templates help users get started quickly and customize their spreadsheets as needed. You can drop your data into these templates and then personalize the layout, fonts, and cell borders to suit your requirements.
Data Analysis and Calculation
Numbers supports hundreds of functions, making it easy to perform complex calculations with precision. You can use pivot tables to organize and summarize data, identifying patterns and trends. The application also includes functions like SWITCH, BITAND, CONCAT, TEXTJOIN, and XLOOKUP, which enhance compatibility with Microsoft Excel and provide more flexible data manipulation options.
Visualization Tools
To visualize data, Numbers offers interactive charts such as column, bar, scatter, and bubble charts. Radar charts are also available for comparing multiple variables across different series, making it easier to see similarities and differences. These tools help in presenting data in a clear and visually appealing manner.
Collaboration and Accessibility
Numbers allows real-time collaboration, enabling teams to work together on a spreadsheet simultaneously across Mac, iPad, iPhone, and even PC. The app is also highly accessible, supporting features like voice control, which is particularly beneficial for users with accessibility needs.
AI-Driven Features
Recently, Apple updated Numbers to include Apple Intelligence features. These updates include Writing Tools that use ChatGPT for proofreading, summarizing, rewriting, and composing text. Siri integration allows users to ask questions about the content of their spreadsheets using ChatGPT. Additionally, the Image Playground feature enables the creation of original images directly within the app. However, these AI features require devices capable of Apple Intelligence, such as those with Apple silicon chips.
Cloud and Cross-Device Compatibility
Numbers allows seamless work across all Apple devices and even on a PC via iCloud or Box. Spreadsheets created on one device look the same on another, ensuring consistency and ease of use regardless of where you are working.
Import and Export
You can import Excel or text files into Numbers and export your spreadsheets to Excel or other file formats. This flexibility makes it easy to work with data from different sources and share it with others who may use different software.
Security and Version Management
Numbers offers features to lock and password-protect spreadsheets, ensuring your data remains secure. You can also restore earlier versions of a spreadsheet if needed, and manage custom templates to streamline your workflow.
Conclusion
In summary, Apple Numbers combines traditional spreadsheet functionality with modern AI-driven features, making it a powerful and user-friendly tool for data analysis, visualization, and collaboration.
Apple Numbers - Performance and Accuracy
Performance
Apple Numbers can be slower compared to other spreadsheet applications, particularly when dealing with large datasets. For instance, calculations that take a split second in Microsoft Excel can take seconds or minutes in Numbers, especially in spreadsheets with a significant number of rows and columns.
Large Spreadsheets
While Numbers can handle up to 1 million rows, it often slows down or crashes before reaching this limit. Users have reported significant performance issues when approaching this threshold, such as delayed cell updates and potential crashes.
Calculation Speed
In comparison to Excel, Numbers is notably slower in recalculating complex formulas. For example, a spreadsheet with 400,000 rows and several columns of random functions took about 150 seconds to recalculate in Numbers, whereas Excel managed it in half a second.
Accuracy
Numbers supports a wide range of functions, including XLOOKUP and RegEx, which helps in performing complex calculations accurately. However, the accuracy can be affected by the performance issues mentioned above.
Function Support
Numbers offers hundreds of functions to perform various calculations, ensuring that data analysis can be accurate and detailed. Features like conditional highlighting and pivot tables also aid in accurate data visualization and analysis.
Data Handling
While Numbers can import and work with Microsoft Excel files, the translation is not always perfect, and some imported documents may require rebuilding to function optimally. This can lead to minor inaccuracies if not properly adjusted.
Limitations
Several limitations are worth noting:
Row and Column Limits
Numbers has a hard limit of 1 million rows and 1000 columns. If a file exceeds these limits, only the first 1 million rows will be imported, and the application may slow down or crash.
Lack of Automation
Unlike some other spreadsheet applications, Numbers lacks the ability to automate actions that change dynamically. This can make tasks that involve collecting data from multiple sources and summarizing it more cumbersome.
Grouping and Collapsing
Numbers does not have a feature to group, collapse, or expand rows and columns in the same way Excel or Google Sheets do. This can be a significant limitation for users who need to switch between different views of their data.
Areas for Improvement
To enhance user experience, Apple could address the following areas:
Performance Optimization
Improving the performance of Numbers, especially with large datasets, would make it more competitive with other spreadsheet applications.
Automation Features
Adding automation capabilities would make it easier for users to perform repetitive tasks and manage complex data sets.
Grouping and Collapsing
Implementing a feature to group, collapse, and expand rows and columns would enhance the usability of Numbers for users who need to manage detailed and structured data.
Overall, while Apple Numbers offers a user-friendly interface and supports a wide range of functions, its performance and certain feature limitations can be significant drawbacks, especially for users dealing with large or complex datasets.
Apple Numbers - Pricing and Plans
Pricing Structure
Apple Numbers is completely free to use. There are no subscription fees or one-time payments required to access the full features of the application.
Free Plan
The app is available for free on the Mac App Store and is often preinstalled on Mac and iOS devices. This free plan includes all the features of Apple Numbers without any limitations or additional costs.
Features
Despite being free, Apple Numbers offers a wide range of features, including:
- Over 30 Apple-designed templates for various tasks like home budgets, checklists, and invoices.
- The ability to add tables, charts, text, and images anywhere on a flexible canvas.
- Real-time collaboration with others, allowing multiple users to work on the same spreadsheet simultaneously.
- Pivot tables and quick filters for data analysis.
- Integration with iCloud for seamless sharing and collaboration.
- Support for adding 3D objects, SVG images, and other multimedia elements.
- Writing Tools and Image Playground for users with Macs having M1 or later processors.
Conclusion
In summary, Apple Numbers does not have different pricing tiers; it is a free application with a comprehensive set of features, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a spreadsheet solution without any additional costs.
Apple Numbers - Integration and Compatibility
Integration with Other Apple Tools
Seamless Workflow
Apple Numbers integrates smoothly with other iWork applications, such as Pages (word processing) and Keynote (presentation software). This integration facilitates a smooth workflow, allowing users to easily share and incorporate content between these apps. For instance, you can import tables from Numbers into Pages or Keynote, and vice versa, without significant formatting issues.Cross-Platform Compatibility
Device Accessibility
Numbers is available on macOS, iOS, and iPadOS devices. Files created on one device can be easily accessed and edited on another through iCloud, ensuring seamless synchronization across all your Apple devices. This means you can start a spreadsheet on your Mac, edit it on your iPad, and review it on your iPhone without any compatibility issues.Web Access
Access from Any Device
In addition to native apps, Apple Numbers can be accessed and used through the web version available on iCloud.com. This allows users to create, edit, and share spreadsheets from any device with an internet connection, including Windows PCs and Android devices.Compatibility with Microsoft Excel
Importing and Exporting Files
Numbers supports importing and editing Microsoft Excel files. When you import an Excel file into Numbers, it is converted to the Numbers format, allowing you to edit and work on it. Conversely, you can export your Numbers files to Excel format for use on other platforms.Cross-Device Collaboration
Real-Time Collaboration
Numbers enables real-time collaboration, allowing multiple users to work on the same spreadsheet simultaneously, regardless of whether they are using a Mac, iPad, iPhone, or even a PC via iCloud.com. This feature includes the ability to see who is currently in the document, view other users’ cursors, and track recent changes.Version Compatibility
Maintaining Compatibility
While Apple Numbers generally maintains good compatibility across different versions, there can be issues with very old versions. For example, if you are using an older version like Numbers 10.1 on macOS 10.14, updating to a newer version on iOS might introduce compatibility issues. However, testing has shown that more recent versions (e.g., Numbers 12.1 on macOS and Numbers 13 on iOS) tend to work well together.Conclusion
In summary, Apple Numbers offers strong integration with other Apple tools and excellent cross-platform compatibility, making it a versatile and convenient option for users within the Apple ecosystem. Apple Numbers - Customer Support and Resources
Apple Support App and Website
You can get comprehensive support through the Apple Support app or the Apple Support website. Here, you can connect with an Apple Advisor via phone or chat to address any issues or questions you have about Numbers.
Phone Support
Apple offers phone support where you can talk to an Apple Advisor. You can find the phone number for your country or region on the Apple Support website.
Online Forums and Communities
For specific questions or troubleshooting, you can visit Apple’s official support forums, such as the Apple Community, where users and experts discuss various issues, including those related to Numbers. For example, if you’re experiencing issues like the app hanging, you can find troubleshooting steps and advice from other users.
App Store Description and Guides
The Numbers app page on the App Store provides a detailed description of its features, including templates, collaboration tools, and how to use various functions like charts and tables. This can be a good starting point for learning the basics of the app.
Real-Time Collaboration and Tutorials
Numbers allows real-time collaboration, which can be a great resource if you’re working with others who can help you learn the app. Additionally, Apple often provides tutorials and guides within the app or on their support site to help you get started and make the most of its features.
General Apple Support Resources
Apple’s online support includes software updates, technical support, and product information available 24/7. You can also use the onscreen help system and consult the manuals or electronic documents that came with your product for additional guidance.
By utilizing these resources, you can find the help you need to effectively use Apple’s Numbers and resolve any issues that may arise.
Apple Numbers - Pros and Cons
Advantages
User-Friendly Interface
Apple Numbers is known for its intuitive and easy-to-use interface, making it accessible even for those who are new to spreadsheet software. Unlike Excel, which can be cluttered and overwhelming, Numbers offers a clean and straightforward design.Built-in Functions and Templates
Numbers comes with hundreds of built-in functions that simplify data analysis and calculations. It also includes a wide variety of pre-designed templates for budgets, invoices, checklists, and more, which can help you get started quickly.Collaboration Features
Numbers excels in collaboration, allowing you to share your spreadsheets with others and work together in real-time. The app integrates seamlessly with iCloud, ensuring that your documents are always up-to-date across all your Apple devices.Aesthetic and Creative Options
Numbers allows you to create visually appealing spreadsheets with ease. You can build 2D and 3D charts, add visuals, and customize the appearance of your spreadsheets to make them more engaging and informative.Free and Integrated with Apple Ecosystem
Since 2017, Apple Numbers has been free to use on all Apple devices. It integrates perfectly with other Apple apps and services, such as iCloud, making it a great choice if you are already within the Apple ecosystem.Advanced Features
Numbers includes features like pivot tables, drop-down lists, and the ability to remove duplicates, which are useful for data analysis and organization. It also supports Apple Intelligence features like ChatGPT integration and Writing Tools.Disadvantages
Limited to Apple Devices
One of the major drawbacks of Apple Numbers is that it is only available on Mac and iOS devices. This can be a significant limitation if you need to collaborate with users outside the Apple ecosystem.Dataset Limitations
Numbers has a lower tolerance for handling large datasets compared to Excel. This makes it less suitable for users who need to work with extensive data sets.Fewer Advanced Functions
While Numbers offers many useful features, it lacks some of the advanced functionalities available in Excel, such as macros, many powerful statistical and mathematical formulas, and the ability to repeat commands.Compatibility Issues
There can be compatibility issues when working with users who primarily use Excel. You may need to convert files to ensure compatibility, which can be inconvenient.Limited Reach
Apple Numbers is not as widely used or recognized as Excel, which can make it less convenient for sharing and collaborating with others outside the Apple user base. By weighing these pros and cons, you can determine whether Apple Numbers meets your specific needs and workflow preferences. If you prioritize ease of use, aesthetic appeal, and seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem, Numbers could be an excellent choice. However, if you require advanced features and the ability to handle large datasets, Excel might be more suitable. Apple Numbers - Comparison with Competitors
When Comparing Apple Numbers to Other Spreadsheet Applications
In the productivity tools category, several unique features and potential alternatives stand out.
Unique Features of Apple Numbers
- Free-Form Canvas Approach: Unlike traditional spreadsheets like Microsoft Excel, Numbers uses a free-form “canvas” where tables, charts, graphics, and text are treated as peers, allowing for more flexible and visually appealing layouts.
- Real-Time Collaboration: Numbers supports real-time collaboration across Mac, iPad, iPhone, and even PC, making teamwork seamless. It also integrates with iCloud Drive folder sharing and allows offline collaboration with automatic syncing once online.
- Custom Templates and Stylistic Improvements: Numbers offers over 30 Apple-designed templates and a wide range of stylistic improvements, including the ability to apply colors, gradients, and images to backgrounds, text, and shapes. It also features a shapes library with over 700 Apple-designed shapes.
- Audio Integration and Multimedia Support: Users can record, edit, and play audio directly within a spreadsheet, and add text to tables, data, images, and videos that stay with the objects even when moved.
- Advanced Functions and Compatibility: Numbers supports hundreds of functions, including XLOOKUP, RegEx, and pivot tables, which are compatible with Microsoft Excel. This ensures smooth workflow across different platforms.
Potential Alternatives
Microsoft Excel
- Traditional Spreadsheet Approach: Excel uses a table-centric approach, which might be more familiar to users accustomed to traditional spreadsheet layouts.
- Advanced Features: Excel has a broader range of advanced features, particularly in areas like macro scripting and advanced data analysis tools.
- Wider Platform Support: Excel is available on a wider range of platforms, including Windows and various mobile devices, and has better integration with other Microsoft Office tools.
Google Sheets
- Cloud-Based Collaboration: Google Sheets is highly optimized for cloud-based real-time collaboration and integrates seamlessly with other Google Workspace tools.
- Automatic Saving: Changes are saved automatically, and the app offers strong version control and revision history.
- Web-Based Access: Google Sheets can be accessed from any device with a web browser, making it highly accessible.
LibreOffice Calc
- Open-Source Alternative: LibreOffice Calc is a free and open-source alternative that offers many of the features found in commercial spreadsheet applications.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: It is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Compatibility with Microsoft Excel: Calc can import and export Microsoft Excel files, ensuring compatibility with other common spreadsheet formats.
Each of these alternatives has its own strengths and may be more suitable depending on specific user needs, such as platform preferences, feature requirements, and collaboration needs. Apple Numbers, however, stands out with its unique free-form canvas approach and seamless integration across Apple devices.
Apple Numbers - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Apple Numbers
Q: How do I create and edit spreadsheets in Apple Numbers?
Apple Numbers allows you to create and edit spreadsheets on various devices, including Mac, iPad, iPhone, and even on a PC using iWork for iCloud. You can start with a blank canvas or use one of the many ready-to-use templates. Simply drop your data into a table, customize the layout, and use the intuitive tools to perform calculations and data analysis.Q: Can I use Apple Numbers on different devices and sync my spreadsheets?
Yes, you can use Apple Numbers on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and on iCloud.com. To sync your spreadsheets, ensure you are signed in to the same Apple Account on each device and have iCloud Drive and Numbers enabled in your settings. This allows you to access and edit your spreadsheets across all your devices.Q: How do I share and collaborate on spreadsheets in Apple Numbers?
You can easily share and collaborate on spreadsheets in Numbers. Simply click or tap the Share button to invite others to join your spreadsheet. Real-time collaboration allows everyone to see edits as they are made, and you can receive notifications when others join, edit, or comment on the spreadsheet.Q: Are spreadsheets created in Apple Numbers compatible with Microsoft Excel?
Yes, Apple Numbers supports compatibility with Microsoft Excel. You can import and edit Excel files directly in Numbers, and you can also save your Numbers spreadsheets as Excel files. This makes it easy to work with others who use Excel.Q: Can I use Apple Pencil with Apple Numbers?
Yes, you can use Apple Pencil with Apple Numbers on your iPad. This allows you to sketch diagrams, mark up your data, or add color to help visualize your information. The customizable toolbar on iPad also makes it easy to access your favorite tools quickly.Q: How do I perform complex calculations and data analysis in Apple Numbers?
Numbers supports hundreds of built-in functions and formulas that can perform complex calculations. You can use pivot tables, Smart Categories, and other tools to quickly organize and summarize your data. Additionally, features like Quick filters and radar charts help in swift data analysis.Q: What if I have different versions of Apple Numbers on different devices? Will they still be compatible?
If you have different versions of Numbers on different devices, compatibility can be an issue. For example, if you have an older version of Numbers on an iPad and a newer version on an iPhone, spreadsheets created with the newer version might not be fully compatible with the older version. It is best to ensure all devices are updated to the latest version of Numbers to avoid compatibility issues.Q: How do I set up iCloud for Apple Numbers on my devices?
To set up iCloud for Numbers, go to your device’s settings, ensure iCloud Drive is enabled, and then turn on the Numbers option. On Mac, go to the Apple menu > System Settings > iCloud, and enable Numbers. This will allow you to access and sync your spreadsheets across all your devices.Q: Can I add 3D objects and other advanced elements to my spreadsheets in Apple Numbers?
Yes, if you have a Mac with M1 or later, you can add 3D objects to your spreadsheets in Numbers. These objects can simulate natural lighting, shading, and texture effects. You can also use features like Image Playground to create original images and add SVG images to your spreadsheets.Q: How do I export and share my spreadsheets in different formats?
You can export and share your Numbers spreadsheets in various formats such as PDF, Microsoft Excel, CSV, TSV, and more. Simply use the Share menu to select the format you need and choose how you want to send the file, whether via AirDrop, Mail, Messages, or another service. Apple Numbers - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Apple Numbers
Apple Numbers is a versatile and intuitive spreadsheet application that offers a wide range of features, making it a valuable tool in the productivity tools category.Key Features
Templates and Customization
Apple Numbers provides over 30 Apple-designed templates for various tasks, such as budget tracking, project planning, and simple to-do lists. This makes it easy to create professional-looking spreadsheets without much effort.
Formulas and Functions
The app is equipped with a powerful set of formulas and functions, allowing users to perform complex calculations and statistical analysis. It also supports LaTeX or MathML notation for mathematical equations.
Interactive Charts and Graphs
Users can create stunning charts and graphs, including pie charts, bar graphs, and scatter plots, to effectively visualize data.
Real-time Collaboration
Numbers supports real-time collaboration, enabling multiple users to edit and view changes simultaneously across Mac, iPad, iPhone, and even PC. This feature is particularly useful for team projects.
Cross-Platform Compatibility
The app is available on macOS, iOS, and can be accessed via a web browser, making it convenient for users who need to work on multiple devices.
Cloud Integration
Numbers integrates seamlessly with iCloud, allowing users to save and access their spreadsheets from any device with an internet connection.
User Experience
Ease of Use
Apple Numbers boasts an intuitive and user-friendly interface. The drag-and-drop functionality and clean, crisp toolbar make it easy for new users to navigate and create documents.
Flexible Canvas
Unlike traditional fixed-grid spreadsheets, Numbers offers a flexible canvas where users can move tables, charts, and other media freely, making side-by-side comparisons easier.
Who Would Benefit Most
Apple Numbers is particularly beneficial for:Individuals Managing Personal Finances
The templates and easy-to-use interface make it ideal for creating budget trackers, expense sheets, and other personal finance management tools.
Small to Medium-Sized Businesses
The real-time collaboration feature and ability to create professional-looking spreadsheets make it a great tool for team projects and data analysis.
Students and Educators
The app’s ease of use and interactive charts can help in creating educational materials and analyzing data for projects.
Recommendations
If you are looking for a user-friendly spreadsheet application that offers flexibility and real-time collaboration, Apple Numbers is an excellent choice. Here are a few points to consider:For Basic Users
Apple Numbers is great for those who need a simple, intuitive spreadsheet tool without the steep learning curve of more complex software like Microsoft Excel.
For Collaborative Projects
The real-time collaboration feature makes it ideal for team projects where multiple users need to work on the same spreadsheet simultaneously.
For Cross-Platform Users
Its availability on multiple platforms (Mac, iOS, web) ensures that you can work on your spreadsheets from anywhere.
However, if you require advanced features like grouping and collapsing rows and columns (similar to Microsoft Excel), you might find Apple Numbers lacking in this specific area.
Overall, Apple Numbers is a powerful, intuitive, and versatile tool that can meet a wide range of productivity needs, especially for those who value ease of use and real-time collaboration.