The two heavyweights in day-to-day office life are spreadsheets and databases. Most of the software we all use which isn't a spreadsheet is based on a database.  Accounting software, an online shop and your CRM are all database-related programs. Many businesses still rely heavily on spreadsheets to help them run the day-to-day.  Others are convinced that databases help them be more productive, efficient and creative. We thought we should see how these two match up against each other by examining 10 of the most important ways they can help or hinder your day at work.  Seconds out... In the first round we look at the multi-user capabilities of each.  How easy is it for more than one person to work at the same time?

ROUND 1: Multi-User

Spreadsheets

A common issue with spreadsheets is how to share them.  The usual call round the office is 'Have you finished with the spreadsheet yet?'  As well as being frustrating this is a real productivity bottleneck.  How long before someone gets fed up and starts a separate spreadsheet or just guesses at something and makes a mistake.  Spreadsheets definitely suffer in a multi-user environment, which is most offices.  It's not looking good in this round for Spreadsheets! ...