Microsoft Office Comes to the Browser (Finally)
Microsoft today announced that it plans to release web version of office applications at professional developers conference (PDC2008). It has been for years Microsoft questioned the need for Net-based productivity applications, but now Microsoft is embracing it by offering new versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint which can run from a standard browser.
The introduction of the Web-based software – which the company described as “lightweight versions” of the Microsoft Office programs that are installed on PCs – pits Microsoft against Google, which already has a set of Web-based spreadsheet and word-processing programs called Google Apps. The apps will enable users to create, edit and collaborate on Microsoft Office documents through the browser. The apps will work in IE, Firefox and Safari browsers (no word on whether Google Chrome will be supported).
Microsoft will offer browser-based Word, Excel, and PowerPoint in two ways. For consumers, they will be offered via Microsoft’s Office Live Web site, while businesses will be able to offer browser-based Office capabilities through Microsoft’s SharePoint Server product. Pricing is not clear but it will be released as a advertising based service as well as subscription offering to customers. Business customers will get a hosted subscription service and through volume license agreements.
Via: Downloadsquad
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