Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Microsoft updates Office, vies online with Google
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
More Yahoo! Services
Account Options
New User? Sign Up
Sign In
Help
Yahoo! Search
web search
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Microsoft updates Office, vies online with Google
Reuters - Wednesday, May 12
Send
IM Story
Print
By Bill Rigby and Alexei Oreskovic
NEW YORK/SAN FRANCISCO - Microsoft Corp launches an updated version of its Office software on Wednesday, aiming to keep its grip on the hugely profitable business application market while countering the challenge of free online alternatives from Google Inc.
The world's largest software company is upgrading its popular Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint applications, and rolling out its own online versions to keep up with the new class of mobile, web-connected users that have emerged since the last upgrade in 2006.
Most are expecting the Office franchise -- which Microsoft says has 500 million users -- to retain its dominance in the business world. But Office could be facing the beginning of an erosion of its "must-have" status.
"Every time Microsoft releases a new version of Office, they get a bump up in revenue," said Toan Tran, an analyst at Morningstar. "But how big of an upgrade is this? They might have a harder time getting people to update."
Microsoft is expected to trumpet a list of improvements on Wednesday, such as editing photos in Word, using video in PowerPoint, collaborating on documents and managing e-mail conversations in new ways.
But the most interesting facet is Microsoft's move into the "cloud" -- allowing users to manipulate documents stored on remote servers from anywhere -- where Google has been setting the pace.
"They're coming into our playing field," said Dave Girouard, the Google executive leading the company's charge into business applications. "They have conceded that this is the future and now we think our products and services will get a lot more consideration."
Google Docs -- stripped down versions of Microsoft's core programs -- are available over the Internet with no need to download software. They are free for personal users and $50-per-user per year for companies. Google says it has picked up 25 million users since launching almost four years ago.
That is only a fraction of Microsoft's 500 million, but is growing quickly.
"Word and Excel are pretty secure -- Excel is embedded in an uncountable number of business processes, so that would be pretty hard to rip out," said Tran.
But Microsoft faces more pressure in email and calendar programs, the areas most amenable to online and mobile use, where Google already has a strong foothold.
"Google has made a lot of inroads there. Microsoft is going to face pressure there over time. They are probably going to have to cut prices to some extent," said Tran.
That could put the brakes on one of Microsoft's most formidable profit engines.
Microsoft's business division -- which gets 90 percent of its sales from Office -- averages around $2.8 billion profit per quarter. That is 47 percent of Microsoft's total profit so far this fiscal year, second only to Microsoft's core Windows franchise.
Businesses account for the vast majority of that. According to the latest data from tech research firm Forrester, 81 percent of companies are running Office 2007, compared with only 4 percent using Google's online equivalent.
A Forrester poll indicates almost a third of existing Office users plan to upgrade to Office 2010 -- which will be available to them from Wednesday -- within 12 months.
Ordinary consumers get the chance to buy Office 2010 next month, at prices ranging from $119 to $499, depending on the level of sophistication.
It will take at least a year before it is clear whether Microsoft has a winner and the extent to which customers are migrating to online versions and lessening reliance on installed software.
"Google is not the threat that it will be once the 'virtual desktop' becomes a no-brainer," said Richard Williams, an analyst at Cross Research, referring to the practice of accessing software over the Web. "That's the time Microsoft really has to worry about."
Recommend
Send
IM Story
Print
Related Articles
US-TECH Summary Reuters - 2 hours 49 minutes ago
China Mobile interested in bringing Apple iPad to China Reuters - 2 hours 49 minutes ago
Microsoft updates Office, vies online with Google Reuters - Wednesday, May 12
Electronic Arts breaks losing streak AFP - Wednesday, May 12
Google, Verizon working on tablet computer: WSJ AFP - Wednesday, May 12
News Search
Top Stories
German economy grows by 0.2 pct in first quarter
After long wait, US Senate takes up climate
Film world masses for topical Cannes fest
US worries spark calls for swift eurozone action
Cameron finally British PM after cliffhanger polls
More Top Stories »
Related Full Coverage
Internet Portals & Search EnginesLatest development in the online world
All Full Coverage »
ADVERTISEMENT
Most Popular
Most Viewed
Most Recommended
Scientists stunned as grey whale sighted off Israel
UN fears 'irreversible' damage to natural environment
Earth may be too hot for humans by 2300: study
Cameron finally British PM after cliffhanger polls
Lack of sleep linked to early death: study
More Most Viewed »
Aliens may exist but contact would hurt: Hawking
Lack of sleep linked to early death: study
Scientists stunned as grey whale sighted off Israel
UN fears 'irreversible' damage to natural environment
Freddie Mac asks for fresh 10.6 billion dollar bailout
More Most Recommended »
Elsewhere on Yahoo!
Financial news on Yahoo! Finance
Stars and latest movies
Best travel destinations
More on Yahoo! News
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Subscribe to our news feeds
Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS
» More news feeds | What are news feeds?
Also on Yahoo
Answers
Groups
Mail
Messenger
Mobile
Travel
Finance
Movies
Sports
Games
» All Yahoo! Services
Site Highlights
Singapore
Full Coverage
Most Popular
Asia Entertainment
Photos
World Cup 2010
Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Terms of Service |
Privacy Policy |
Community |
Intellectual Property Rights Policy |
Help
Other News on Wednesday, 12 May 2010 Medvedev urges US action in 'very bad' Mideast situation
Pirates hijack Bulgarian tanker in Gulf of Aden: EU
Congress to tackle high-tech trading
Conservative Cameron takes over as British PM
|
US-TECH Summary
Britain PM Brown says to tender resignation to Queen
US economic worries spark calls for swift euro action
Apple questions Android smartphone surge
Berlusconi to pay ex 300,000 euros a month: reports
British PM arrives at Buckingham Palace to resign
Struggling Nokia revamps management team again
Earth may be too hot for humans by 2300: study
Biden son in hospital, recovering
Polish bank claims Europe's first biometric cash point
Captured Somali pirates 'evidently dead': Russia
Israel sees no discord with U.S. on nuclear issue
|
Nokia to create smartphone unit in reorganisation
AG Cuomo Sues Bank of NY Unit Over Madoff Scandal
Chile nabs Pakistani with trace explosive at U.S. embassy
|
Home Prices Rose In 91 U.S. Cities During Q1
Obama: Israel, Palestinians to be held accountable
|
"The View" To Host First Full Week Of Male Co-Hosts
Christina Aguilera Reveals New Album Details
Pakistani ambassador in Tehran attacked
|
Channing Tatum, Queen Latifah Are "Cheaters"
Tennessee Waste Management Worker Dies On Job
Struggling Nokia revamps management team again
Jersey Shore Casting New Guidos And Guidettes For 3rd Season
South African police bust HIV/AIDS pyramid scheme
|
Nokia to create smartphone unit in reorganisation
Explosion, Fire Outside Florida Mosque
"Twilight" Stars In Salary Disputes For Second "Breaking Dawn" Film
Oil companies trade blame over Gulf of Mexico spill
US senator likens oil spill to Titanic as hearings open
US-TECH Summary
US, Karzai pledge enduring ties despite sore points
Bomb kills 2 US service members in Afghanistan
US vows to stand by Afghanistan after combat ends
Hopes fade for peaceful end to Thai standoff
Pakistan ambassador in Tehran attacked
Buildup of top Afghan police seen as key for NATO
China, US to renew human rights talks
Missile attacks kills 24 in Pakistan tribal area
Video: Aussie father clasps infant as car hits
Apple questions Android smartphone surge
|
Struggling Nokia revamps management team again
|
China inflation rises as housing, food costs jump
Japan woos US transit head with 300-mph train ride
Miss USA pageant embraces naked ambition
Tenor Placido Domingo takes Pampano restaurant to Qatar
Playboy to feature 3-D centerfold
Louisiana fishermen say media, not oil, killing trade
Libeskind extension for Berlin Jewish Museum
London's Tate Modern celebrates 10 years of surprise success
Bollywood producer vows to fight US copyright case
Cape Verde diva Cesaria Evora has heart surgery
Tyra Banks tries hand at fantasy novels
|
Peter Frampton at 60: Do you feel like I feel?
|
Bling Ring actress jailed over Orlando Bloom break-in
|
US, Afghanistan pledge enduring ties despite rows
Cameron finally British PM after cliffhanger polls
Cameron leads Britain into new coalition era
|
Iran ready for nuclear talks with EU's Ashton
China Mobile interested in bringing Apple iPad to China
Pirates hijack Bulgarian tanker in Gulf of Aden: EU
Film world masses for topical Cannes fest
Passenger plane crashes in Libya, 105 dead: TV
|
Israel sees no discord with U.S. on nuclear issue
Thai army turns up the heat on Bangkok protesters
|
Microsoft updates Office, vies online with Google
Thousands protest Ukraine president's embrace of Russia
Cameron finally British PM after cliffhanger polls
Five Iraqi police killed in Baghdad bomb blast
Seven children, teacher die in China school rampage
|
Electronic Arts breaks losing streak
India's Viswanathan Anand wins world chess title
Google, Verizon working on tablet computer: WSJ
Russian mine death toll hits 60; 30 still missing
|
Scientists stunned as grey whale sighted off Israel
US targets computer trades after stock market meltdown
Israel says seized North Korean arms were for Hamas, Hezbollah
|
US looks to Europe to prevent wireless 'bill shock'
increases US search share, Bing up again
Yemen al Qaeda arm claims attack on UK ambassador
|
North Korea claims nuclear fusion, prompts skeptics
|
Twitter co-founder launches new venture: Square
Somali pirates seize Greek-owned ship in Gulf of Aden
|
Myanmar's Suu Kyi files new appeal against detention
Malaysia probes 3rd police shooting of suspect
Obama, Karzai to hold fence-mending talks
Recent violent attacks at schools in China
Malaysia's Anwar loses new bid to derail sex trial
Chile extends Pakistani's detention for five days
Microsoft updates Office, vies online with Google
|
Water, electricity cuts to Bangkok protest zone
7 children killed in latest attack at China school
Israel FM: NKorean arms on plane bound for Hamas
NKorea claims to achieve elusive nuclear fusion
Philippines' Aquino ready to take on family's burden
Water, electricity cuts to Bankok protest zone
China Mobile interested in bringing Apple iPad to China
|
India March industrial output slows to 13.5 pct
S.Korea June T-bond futures fall most in 7 weeks
Nissan slashes quarterly loss to $125 million
WRAPUP 2-S.Korea c.bank readies interest rate rise in H2
Canadian firm says in deal for Vietnam navy aircraft
PAKISTAN
S.Korea freezes key interest rate for 15th month
Samsung Life shares jump after record IPO
Stones roll out for NY film ahead of album launch
Seoul shares slip 0.4 pct; euro, China weigh
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
S.Korea c.bank sees uncertainties over econ growth
The 5 most inexplicably popular reality shows
Tokyo's samurai women punish fat with sword workout
Bateman, Aniston eye "Horrible Bosses"
Beatles 1966 press conference tapes for auction in LA
|
Niecy Nash no longer "Dancing with the Stars"
Niecy Nash no longer Dancing with the Stars
|
Jasper Johns 'Flag' leads art auction charge
Larry King and seventh wife reunite, stop divorce
|
Robin Hood's appeal tested again at Cannes
The 5 most inexplicably popular reality shows
|
"Avatar" fastest selling DVD after three weeks
Bateman, Aniston eye Horrible Bosses
|
Robin Hood opens Cannes, few U.S. movies in town
|
Larry King and seventh wife reunite, stop divorce
Hurt Locker lawsuit target pirates
|
Robin Hood's appeal tested again at Cannes
|
Avatar fastest selling DVD after three weeks
|
TV series shows hazards of underwater oil work
|
Greek unions call strike as economy halts decline
Netanyahu turns to Bible in tussle over Jerusalem
Russia to build Turkey's first nuclear power plant
Sharp develops 3D camera system for mobile phones
Overtime linked to heart risk: study
Germany economy grows by 0.2%
Europe moves to curb future debt crises
Siberia mine blast toll rises to 60: report
Iraq killing spree targets tribal chiefs, government workers
|
After long wait, US Senate takes up climate
Greeks set new strikes, economy firmly in recession
|
Russia says may lift veil on vast nuclear arsenal
|
Sharp develops 3D camera system for mobile phones
Peacekeepers warn of Darfur rebel, Sudan army build-up
|
U.N. resolutions vs Iran not worth penny: Ahmadinejad
|
Nine killed in latest China school rampage
|
Netanyahu turns to Bible in tussle over Jerusalem
|
US, Russian officials in talks on adoption deal
Thai army to limit water, electricity to protests
Foxconn defends labor practices after 8th suicide
Thai protesters vow to fight as siege looms
Microsoft launches new Office, vies online with Google
|
'Five terrorists killed' in raids in Indonesia
Dash for Jimmy Choo shoes ends with a winner
|
Taliban claims killing of Afghan prison official
Foxconn defends labor practices after 8th suicide
Aquino promises lean, graft-free Philippine gov't
Pakistan stocks end slightly up; rupee falls vs dlr
European stocks climb, gold hits record high
Nissan returns to the black with annual profit
Nine hacked to death in new Chinese school rampage
Euro fears resurface as gold surges in Asia
Pacquiao ready to fight Mayweather after vote win
Taiwan's Foxconn regrets Chinese employee suicide
Philippines' Aquino vows new era of clean rule
Nikon factory workers protest China gas poisoning
Crowe film opens Cannes film festival
India's industrial output up 13.5%
Recent violent attacks at schools in China
Samsung Life shares jump after record IPO
M&A deals possible risks to S.Korean banks-Moody's
Violin's bad boy brings Poland to London
|
Mark Strong Hollywood's go-to villain
|
Superhero porn parody films ready to fly
|
Indonesian police kill 5 militant suspects
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights