Microsoft Office 2010 takes aim at Google Docs
From BBC News
23:14 GMT, Tuesday, 11 May 2010 0:14 UK
23:14 GMT, Tuesday, 11 May 2010 0:14 UK
Microsoft Office 2010 takes aim at Google Docs
Microsoft is preparing to launch its latest weapon in its ongoing battle with Google.The software giant will launch its flagship product Office 2010 to businesses on 12 May.
The latest version of the software has a free online component - called Office Web Apps.
Analysts believe the web offering is a response to Google, which has been encroaching on Microsoft's core business with its free online tools.
Crucially, Microsoft will also offer its online office suite to all users of one of the world's most popular social networking sites, Facebook.
"There's no question - Microsoft is responding to Google's threat," said Whit Andrews, analyst at research firm Gartner.