Google graphing tool outgrows sheltered childhood

A Google visualization tool that converts raw numeric data into charts, graphs, tables, maps, and plots has outgrown its initial ties to the company's online spreadsheet application.
The Google Visualization API (application programming interface) previously could construct the graphics only from data stored on Google Spreadsheets. Now any Web-based data source, including databases and Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, can be used, Google said.
Google made the announcement in conjunction with Salesforce.com's Dreamforce conference Monday. Salesforce.com is adding its own new tools and technology atop the interface so its customers can more easily employ the visualization feature. For example, the tools can be used to create new customized dashboard-like monitoring and control panels.
Stephen Shankland writes about a wide range of technology and products, but has a particular focus on browsers and digital photography. He joined CNET News in 1998 and since then also has covered Google, Yahoo, servers, supercomputing, Linux and open-source software, and science. E-mail Stephen, or follow him on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/stshank.






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by tzviziv
December 28, 2008 3:21 AM PST
- Google also publicize the Google visualization data source protocol and structure, which is used by SF (and Google spreadsheet) to convert the data to a format that can be read by Google visualizations.
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(3 Comments)A very nice implementation for PHP, .NET and JAVA developers can be found in www.gvstreamer.com