Microsoft Plans Free Version Of Office 2010

Office Web will be accessible at no cost through the software maker’s Windows Live portal.

By Paul McDougall
InformationWeek
July 13, 2009 08:25 AM

In an effort to keep pace with the growing number of free or low-cost desktop productivity tools available online, Microsoft said Monday that it plans to introduce a Web-based version of its Microsoft Office suite that consumers can use at no cost.

Office Web, as the offering is called, will be part of the Microsoft Office 2010 release, which is slated for the first half of next year. “It’s going to be a great way for people to get their hands on these applications,” said Chris Capossela, senior VP for Microsoft’s Business unit, in an interview.

The free, online products will include the Office word processing application, the Excel spreadsheet, PowerPoint presentation software, and OneNote message pad. They’ll be available directly through Microsoft’s Windows Live portal and launch directly within a user’s browser.The move allows Microsoft to protect its flank from Web-based software from Google and from free, open source-based offerings, such as IBM’s Lotus Symphony product.

via Microsoft Plans Free Version Of Office 2010 — InformationWeek.