sourceMicrosoft is apparently concerned about the presence of free, web-based productivity apps such as Writely, Google Spreadsheets, and Google Calendar. Microsoft Information Worker Business Strategy general manager Alan Yates told Reuters that the productivity software maker is considering the possibility of offering a free, ad-supported version of Microsoft Works on the web.
Microsoft Works is frequently bundled with new PC purchases and costs around $50 for a retail, boxed version. Compared to its sibling Microsoft Office 2003, it's a lightweight. But its more basic word processing, spreadsheet, and calendars provide ample horsepower for many home and small business owners who don't need all the bells and whistles that the full version of Office provides. Google's free web-based applications are another, even cheaper alternative for that market.
That's why Microsoft may be feeling threatened by the presence of Google's Writely, Spreadsheet, and Calendar apps. Although none of those applications comes close to providing the full functionality of Microsoft Office, they are adequate for the needs of many home and small business users, as is Microsoft Works. So far, Google has resisted slapping its word processor-spreadsheet-calendar combination with the Google Office Suite moniker, that may still come down the road as the apps become more closely integrated with one another.
Tags: software maker | productivity apps | Alan Yates | Web-based | ad-supported | works | Strategy | Office Suite | Microsoft
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