In a move that appears to rival the existence of Google Docs, Microsoft has announced that it is bringing MS Office to the web. The caveat: you can only view documents, not edit them.
A few people are baffled by this, since it appears that Google and other applications seem to have a real solid product with full collaboration and editing functionality. WebmasterWorld members suspect that it won't be long until Microsoft gives more access to the platform.
I suspect editing capability will come if Microsoft starts feeling a real pinch from fully functional online suites.This provides document accessiblity from anywhere, which is at least a step in the right direction. This lets them postpone the inevitable decision of how to charge, or whether to charge at all, for online document creation and editing.
On the other hand, if Microsoft chooses to charge for the program, users believe that Google Docs will win out, since it remains free.
And of course, Linux users are a bit suspicious in general, but they believe that the tools will still appeal to the average computer user.
You can sign up for Microsoft Office Live Workspace or Microsoft Office Live Small Business right now and will be alerted when the beta is available for your review.
Forum discussion at WebmasterWorld.
