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Extending Office into the Cloud means for Microsoft going beyond Windows and Internet Explorer. In this context, the Redmond company will deliver support for the open source Linux operating system, and for Apple's Mac OS platform. In addition, users will not be restricted to Internet Explorer when accessing the Microsoft Office Web Applications, as the company will ensure that they also play nice with browsers such as Firefox and Safari.
Microsoft's Sarah Perez indicated that Office Web Applications would not require Internet Explorer. “Office Web applications will work across multiple platforms and browsers including Safari and Firefox, too,” Sarah said, adding that even the iPhone would be supported with access via Safari. As far as the underlying platform is concerned, she revealed that “it does not matter which operating system is used as long as you're running a supported web browser.”
At the Professional Developers Conference 2008, which took place in Los Angeles at the end of October, Microsoft unveiled that it would take Office 14, the successor of Office 2007, into the Cloud. In this regard, the Office Web Applications would be designed to extend the traditional desktop suite.
“Office Web applications - lightweight versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote - through a browser. With these new applications, people can use a browser to create, edit, and collaborate on Office documents. What’s great is that this provides a consistent Office experience when and where our customers want it, regardless of whether they are accessing their Office documents through the PC, phone, or browser,” explained Chris Capossela, senior vice president, Microsoft Business Division.
Sarah Perez stated that Microsoft was not looking to replace the desktop version of Office with a Cloud-based alternative. However, both home and business users would find aspects tailored specifically for them in the Office Web Applications. Perez indicated that although details had yet to be finalized, Office Web Applications would be delivered through Office Live and, as such, free and subscription-based variants could be made available to the public.
“A private technology preview of the Office Web applications will debut later this year. For more information about this and other details about the Office Web applications, people can sign up for Office Live Workspace at workspace.officelive.com,” Perez stated.
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