BOSTON – MICROSOFT Corp will release three versions of its dominant Office software that users can access over the Web, catching up with products that rival Google Inc launched three years ago.
The news helped send shares in the world’s largest software maker up up 2.7 per cent by midday, more than double the gain in the Nasdaq Composite Index.
It is the latest salvo in an intensifying war between Microsoft and Google. Google announced plans last week to challenge Windows with a free operating system.
Microsoft introduced a new search engine, Bing, last month.
‘Microsoft is finally making the conversion through the Web-based world. First, we saw that through Bing. Now we are seeing that through Office,’ said Jefferies & Co analyst Katherine Egbert.
Microsoft will offer for free to consumers Web-based versions of its Office suite of programs, including a word processor, spreadsheet, presentation software and a note-taking program.
Microsoft will also host one Internet business version of Office at its own data centres, charging companies a yet-to- be-announced fee. Companies with premium service contracts will have the choice of running a second Web-based version from their own data centres at no extra cost.
The company hopes to make money by using the free software to lead users to its ad-supported websites, including Bing.
Analysts have said that Bing’s early signs of success suggest Microsoft may be rounding the corner in efforts to turn around its money-losing Internet division.
Still, a free version of Office could hurt sales of Microsoft’s top-selling and most profitable unit. One of Office’s most popular titles is a home version that sells for US$150 (S$219). It includes the four programs that Microsoft will give away. — REUTERS
Popularity: 1% [?]
Good – I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your website. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs as well as related information ended up being truly simple to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, website theme . a tones way for your customer to communicate. Nice task.
My brother recommended I may like this web site. He was once entirely right. This put up actually made my day. You can not imagine just how so much time I had spent for this information! Thank you!
Wow, superb blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your web site is great, let alone the content!
What i don’t understood is in reality how you are not really a lot more well-favored than you may be now. You are very intelligent. You realize therefore significantly on the subject of this topic, produced me personally imagine it from numerous numerous angles. Its like men and women aren’t interested unless it’s something to do with Lady gaga! Your personal stuffs excellent. All the time take care of it up!
I savor, result in I found just what I was having a look for. You have ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye
But wanna state that this is invaluable , Thanks for taking your time to write this.
One more thing that I would like to share at this place is that, whatever you are using free blogging service however if you don’t update your webpage on regularly basis then it’s no more worth.
Some truly excellent articles on this web site , thanks for contribution.
Great post, I believe people should larn a lot from this site its rattling user genial. So much good info on here
.
Good article. It is unfortunate that over the last ten years, the travel industry has had to fight terrorism, SARS, tsunamis, bird flu, swine flu, and the first ever true global recession. Through everthing the industry has proven to be robust, resilient plus dynamic, acquiring new tips on how to deal with hardship. There are constantly fresh difficulties and opportunities to which the field must yet again adapt and respond.
Very interesting information!Perfect just what I was looking for!
That is very attention-grabbing, You’re an overly skilled blogger. I’ve joined your feed and sit up for in the hunt for more of your excellent post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!
hi!,I really like your writing so a lot! proportion we keep in touch extra about your article on AOL? I need a specialist in this area to solve my problem. Maybe that’s you! Taking a look ahead to peer you.