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Microsoft Debuts Office 2010 and Free Web Apps

by Terrence O'Brien on July 14, 2009 at 08:28 AM

With all the chatter surrounding Windows 7, Chrome OS, and the recent release of Firefox 3.5, it's easy to forget that there is another major software release approaching: Office 2010. Sure, Office may not be loaded with the flash of Windows 7 and it lacks the mystery of Chrome OS, but it is still one of the world's most popular suites of publishing, spreadsheet, and presentation software.

Yesterday, Microsoft showed off the latest version of the standard bearer of cubicle software at its Worldwide Partner Conference in New Orleans. Powerpoint gets nifty new image and video editing features for crafting multimedia, and Outlook will include conversation style views (similar to Gmail). The e-mail app joins the rest of the Office family by getting a "ribbon" interface of its own (ribbon being the new menu system introduced with Office 2007 that changed based on the task you were performing). Office will also come in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions, a first that will lead to speed improvements on 64-bit operating systems, like MacBook Pro or PS3.

Perhaps the biggest news of the conference is Microsoft's plan to offer a free Web-based version of the Office suite (Powerpoint, Excel, Word, and OneNote), which it hopes will stave off growing pressure from the popular Google Docs. The online versions won't be as feature-rich as their desktop counterparts, but they will share the familiar "ribbon" interface and will handle any Office document.

Reactions to early previews have been generally positive. The Guardian said that Microsoft's Office Web Applications "look leagues ahead of Google Docs." Similarly TechCruch applauded the shared interface's elements, which make it "easy to use both the desktop and browser versions of products interchangeably." However, it also noted that, "the more successful Microsoft is in its browser strategy, the more they validate Google's approach in the space." Microsoft may be validating Google's approach, but Fortune's Jon Fortt believes that moving Office online is a "stroke of genius," and that if the company gets it right, it "will crush Google, Zoho, and all the other rivals."

No word on price or release date yet, but it's possible Office 2010 won't be on shelves till 2011. Office Web Applications are expected to see a public beta later this year. We're grabbing our popcorn and soda, because we can't wait to see the Web Apps vs. Google Docs shootout. [From: TechCrunch, CNET, Guardian, and Microsoft]

Tags: microsoft, microsoft office 2010, MicrosoftOffice2010, office, office 2010, office web applications, Office2010, OfficeWebApplications, top, upcoming, web apps, WebApps

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