Microsoft launches internet software

Source: Technology Digital

Date :01/10/2007 04:15:37

Microsoft has announced plans to extend its widely used Office software to the internet.

The move will put the company in direct competition with the internet search engine Google.

This move is a response to a rival set of online applications developed by Google to handle things such as word processing and spreadsheets.

New software

The new software developed by Microsoft will allow users to upload their Office documents to free personal websites. They will then be able to read or edit those documents from other machines, while also inviting other people to the password-protected sites to do the same.

According to analysts, although these new developments do not represent a complete alternative for Office customers, Google’s applications could pose a long-term threat to one of Microsoft’s more profitable businesses.

Microsoft has also considered those without Office and added some limited browser-based features, allowing them to read and comment on online documents, and to create simple lists.

This new venture for Microsoft is not as groundbreaking by analysts, but is a first step in shifting the focus of Office to the internet.

October 1 2007