Google and MSN Shape Up For Online Office Battleground

Microsoft Works v's Google Office

by John Hughes
of http://www.oyster-web.co.uk

Last updated: 20 Oct 2006

Microsoft seem to looking to steal a march on Google's online office applications after hinting that a version of Microsoft Works may soon be offered as a free Internet application supported by advertising.

Google recently tested an online spreadsheet application, and already offers email, IM, a calendar and a website creator. The Sacramento-based search giant also recently acquired Writely, and many observers suggest that this is in preparation for a web-based word-processing application to be packaged under the Google brand also.

Google has yet to announce any plans in the web-based application market; however it has hinted that it has a full office suite on the horizon.

Looking further to the future – with Open Office 2 already available as a free download (and Microsoft Office compatible by-and-large), and Works and Google Office presumably not too far away – what does the future hold for Microsoft Office?