Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) will release the mobile version of the Microsoft Office for iOS and Android operating system early next year, according to the report from The Verge, which cited unnamed sources knowledgeable about the plans of the software giant.
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) will introduce the Mobile Office in the form of free apps, and users will be able to access the basic features and editing functionalities of the Word, PowerPoint, and Excel documents. However, users are required to establish a Microsoft account before they will be able to download the Office in their mobile devices. Consumers who need to access the full editing functionality of the Office application for their smartphones or tablets should buy a subscription for the Office 365.
Last month, Microsoft’s subsidiary in the Czech Republic announced that the Mobile Office for iOS and Android will be launched in February. However, the search engine giant said the report was inaccurate.
Several media organizations contacted Microsoft regarding the actual launching of the Mobile Office, and the spokesperson of search engine giant replied, “Office will work across Windows Phone, iOS, and Android phones.”
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) will definitely release Mobile Office across mobile devices powered by the Android, iOS, and Windows Phone 8 operating systems, but the actual schedule is not yet clear.
A related report from Ina Fried of AllthingsD cited that implementing the Office application in mobile devices is easy for Microsoft. The challenge for the company is to balance its objectives and to develop a good business model.
According to Fried, the search engine giant is considering three important factors to balance its business model, which include:
1. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) boasted the Office apps as the key selling point of its Windows Phones and Surface tablets. The company is currently behind in terms of market share for smartphone and tablets.
2. The search engine giant needs to maintain the relevance of the Office to consumers by making sure that it will run on all devices used by its consumers.
3. Office and Windows are the main profit makers for Microsoft. The company needs to compete in other areas such as search and mobile devices.
Fried believed that the subscription for the Office 365 could be Microsoft’s balancing strategy to achieve its objectives. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) would be able to continue generating income from Office on mobile devices.
At present, there are third party Office apps available iOS and Android users including the OnLive Desktop, CloudOn, and Documents to Go.
