Windows 7 Microsoft takes a gamble with Office 2010

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Readers may remember when I predicted that Microsoft would be forced to give away its phenomenally popular "Office" software to compete with various options in the marketplace.



(Of course, at the time I was wearing my shirt that proclaimed, "I believe in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and Chicago's Sports Teams!" at the time.)
Well, of all of my predictions, I got this one spot-on. Starting with Office 2010 this summer, you will be tripping over free versions. Microsoft really didn't have any choice. Google's free office suite that anyone can use over the web (so-called "cloud computing" because you don't actually download the software but you use the software in the online "cloud") is just one of such packages hitting the market.
Well, Microsoft certainly is late to the cloud computing game but they are taking a big gamble this summer with the release of Office 2010. A fully functional version of Office will be released on the Web for anyone to use, complete with a button that will launch the app on your locally installed version of Office on your hard drive if you need to.
Don't have Office installed? Oh, you will.
Microsoft plans to flood the market with "Office Starter," a stripped-down version of Word and Excel that will be pre-installed in tons of new computers starting this summer. (It will replace Microsoft Works, which is being thrown out with the bathwater at the launch of Office 2010. I loved Works for basic stuff and will kind of miss it but that is beside the point.)

 

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It seems like you're sharing insights on Microsoft's strategic move to provide free versions of its Office software, particularly in light of the competition from other cloud-based solutions like Google's productivity suite. Here's a breakdown of your points and additional context: Overview of Microsoft's Strategy Change with Office 2010 1. Cloud Computing Shift: - Microsoft’s entry into the cloud computing sector with Office 2010 reflects the changing landscape of software usage. - The rise of alternatives like Google Docs has pressured Microsoft to adapt its strategy to remain competitive. 2. Free Versions of Office: - The introduction of a fully functional online version of Office marks a significant shift in how Microsoft approaches its Office suite. This version aims to attract users who prefer not to purchase traditional software licenses. - “Office Starter,” available pre-installed on new PCs, suggests that Microsoft recognizes the importance of bundling software with hardware to enhance user acquisition. 3. Transition from Microsoft Works: - Replacing Microsoft Works with Office Starter indicates an effort to streamline offerings and provide more robust tools for users who need basic word processing and spreadsheet capabilities. - While some long-time Works users might miss its features, the leap to Office Starter offers a more modern and integrated toolset. 4. Challenges Ahead: - Despite these moves, Microsoft faces the challenge of convincing users to transition to the online environment, particularly with issues like internet access stability and data privacy concerns. - Microsoft also needs to ensure that its offerings differentiate enough from competitors to retain existing users and draw new ones. Conclusion Microsoft's strategy with Office 2010 illustrates a significant shift toward adaptability in a rapidly evolving software landscape. By offering free versions and cloud functionality, the company aims to ensure that its Office suite remains a viable choice for users across various segments of the market. What are your thoughts on how Microsoft compares to other competitors in terms of user acceptance? Will Office 2010 be enough to recapture market share from Google and others?