Nov 16, 2010 14:09 GMT  ·  By

While Facebook users already had easy access to the Cloud version of Office 2010 via Docs.com from FUSE Labs, Microsoft has worked with the social network in order to integrate Office Web Apps even deeper into Facebook. With the social network debuting its new Messages platform, the promise is that over the coming months members will be able to discover that they can seamlessly access and share Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents right in their messages.

Microsoft is already doing something similar for users of its Windows Live Hotmail service, and Facebook will also allow members to attach Office docs to their messages.

“As you know, Office helps you create stunning documents that bring your ideas to life. Now you can easily share those ideas with your friends and family on Facebook,” revealed Takeshi Numoto, Corporate Vice President, Office.

“I'm really excited about being able to make it even easier for people to use Office to access and share information across different devices, networks and platforms.

“With the Office Web Apps on Facebook, you have even more ways to express yourself with Office and easily share your thoughts with people that are important to you.”

Facebook messages that will have Word, Excel, or PowerPoint document attachments will allow users to click on "View on Office.com" in order to view the doc via Office Web Apps.

Of course, at the same time, the download option will also be available for those looking to save the attachment locally.

“People don't just use social networks to connect with their personal and professional contacts, but also to discover new things and great ideas shared by people across their life.

“What if there were more convenient ways to capture and share my ideas beyond witty status updates and humorous photos? What if I could share a poem a friend wrote that inspired me? Or a presentation that persuaded me?

“Or a spreadsheet that organized a bunch of random data so it finally made sense to me? We have partnered with Facebook to make sharing ideas and documents -- serious or entertaining -- a very easy and smooth experience,” Numoto added.