In a hyper-competitive environment such as the one of high-tech, adversaries are always on the alert to launch an attack as soon as a window of opportunity presents itself. This time, Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft, thought the time was right to aim its guns at Google with a web-based productivity suite known as Office 365.
It was recently in the news that Microsoft launched its Web-based email and Office services, as part of its ongoing effort to keep Google at bay when it comes to business software.
“Office 365″ has been available in a test version since last year. It combines Web-based versions of Word, Excel and other Office applications. It also includes the Exchange e-mail system, SharePoint online collaboration technology and Microsoft’s instant messaging, Internet phone and video conferencing system.
Google Inc. has its own set of office software that’s based in the “cloud,” that is, hosted on remote servers and accessed online instead of on users’ desktop computers.
Microsoft Corp. said Tuesday that it plans to charge $2 to $27 per month for Office 365 depending on what’s included. Google Apps costs $4 or $5 per month. Let’s wait and see what is the market’s response to Microsoft’s latest strategy.
As you can see, there’s never a dull moment in this kill-or-be-killed environment. Good Day.
Source: Microsoft launches Web-based Office, rivals Google – Yahoo News!
