Microsoft Brings the Cloud to the Masses with Office 2013
February 5, 2013
Grazed from Windows IT Pro. Author: Editorial Staff.
Last week, Microsoft launched Office 365 Home Premium subscription service, the version of its cloud service aimed at home users of the company’s Office suite of applications. Subscribers will get the new Microsoft Office 2013 versions of Access, Excel, OneNote, Outlook, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Word. What got somewhat lost in the shuffle of this launch was that Office 2013 was also released for purchase in the traditional software model. I’m sure that’s no mistake, as Microsoft transitions to a "devices and services" company.
Microsoft also announced that the business versions of Office 365 would launch with new capabilities on February 27, which is probably the bigger news for IT pros. However, the company created some hoopla around the launch of the consumer-focused Office 365 Home Premium with an event in New York at Bryant Park where visitors were able try features of the new releases, including Skype world calling — which you won’t get in the retail version of Office. In all of Microsoft’s signage and press material surrounding the launch, the subscription model is highlighted and the straight software for purchase looks like an afterthought…
This strategy makes sense for at least a couple of reasons. Obviously, Microsoft has recognized the changing computing habits of users. People want access to their documents and applications from wherever they are and on any device — PC, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Office 365 has the potential to fulfill this promise. The Home Premium edition lets you install Office 2013 applications on up to five devices, including tablets and Apple Macs (providing they meet certain minimum requirements, of course). And if you’re using a computer that doesn’t have Office installed, you can stream Office applications with the new Office on Demand feature. Meanwhile, if you buy Office 2013 software, you get to install it on one device…
Read more from the source @ http://www.windowsitpro.com/blog/cloud-computing-7/office-365/microsoft-brings-cloud-office-2013-145191