As a Microsoft Partner we've been concerned about Microsoft's direction in response to the assaults on their hegemony on the desktop, both the operating system and office tools. This was especially true in relation to the FREE applications being offered by competitors.
It looks like Microsoft is striking back in a big way by offering a free version of their flagship Office software with Microsoft Office 2010. We'll have to see how profitable this strategy will be, and it really doesn't do us partners any good.
For businesses that rely on Office to conduct business, this is nothing but good news. It's going to help hold down costs - whether it's for the core office products, not having to migrate to another tool (expensive projects!) or not having to train on another platform (expensive project!).
From Microsoft's perspective this will permit organizations to use a light versions of Office for collaboration on the web but keep the full blown versions on computers in the office (and laptops). No matter how it's rolled out, it will lead to lower costs for businesses and less of an Office cash cow.
We're currently using Google Chrome Browser and Google Apps and converting some of our customer base. We'll be looking at Google Chrome Operating System next year. This announcement may not slow that process, but it could keep our customers using Microsoft Office instead of looking at alternatives.
This is all over the Web and print, but here's an article from the LA Times on the announcement:
Microsoft plans free, online version of Office
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