As we reported earlier on FlipCurve, cloud computing is definitely the next big thing in the computer industry. Marketed as being easy to use and convenient, the real motivation to usher in the centralization of software, we believe, is to drastically reduce piracy. Google Docs has been one example of a web-based service that permits users to view and edit documents on the go. However, Microsoft’s latest version of Office 2010 will include a lightweight web-based version that likely won’t replace the desktop one, but should serve as a test-bed for the response for cloud computing. For consumers, Microsoft is planning to serve the applications through Live (err… is that Bing now?) using an ad-supported format, much like their other sites. Corporate customers will be able to host their own web versions using Exchange.
Even with all the clout that Google has, it still doesn’t have the same level of influence that Microsoft has with its Office suite. Considering the extensive user base it already has, I think most people would agree that if any application will be able to ignite the movement towards cloud document management/editing, it will be Microsoft Office. It should be noted that all preliminary previews are indicating that Office 2010 is a strong improvement over its “love it or hate it” predecessor. If Microsoft can come up with a strong web release of Office, we may start seeing those ad-based or subscription-based services that were mentioned on this blog.
It’s hard to argue that Microsoft’s release of a web based Office will not be a pivotal moment in the cloud computing movement. This will be the first time that a really large application has taken baby steps towards becoming a cloud app, so it will be interesting to see not only how the public responds, but also what kind of advertising revenues it can generate. I mean, honestly, how many people will click on an ad while typing a Word document? I can’t see it being too long before a subscription model is proposed, provided that there is enough public demand for Office 2010 on the web.
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Tags: Advertising Revenues, Baby Steps, Centralization, Clout, Computer Industry, Corporate Customers, Document Management, Google, Microsoft Office, Piracy, Pivotal Moment, Predecessor, Test Bed, That Permits Users, Usher, Using Exchange, Web Based Office, Web Release, Web Versions, Word Document
