Microsoft launched its new Office 365 on June 28 at an event in New York City.
The event was hosted by Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and was available via live Webcast.
Office 365 is Microsoft’s version of a cloud-based alternative to its traditional desktop and server products. Its components include Microsoft Office Web Apps with hosted versions of Exchange and SharePoint in addition to Lync which brings in the online communication part.
The new product, which was available in beta since April, is in two versions:
1. Office 365 for Professionals and Small Businesses, which is the entry level, include Office Web Apps, Exchange, SharePoint and Lync online, along with an external Website and cost $6 per month per user.
2. Office 365 for Enterprises, the larger-scale, offers additional features such as IM, online meetings and video conferencing and varies in price from $10 to $27 per user per month.
Beyond this two Microsoft is also offering education version of Office 365 with plans geared towards faculty, staff and students.
Could this be Microsofts attempt to keep its head above the waters after Google took a swipe at Office 365 ahead of its release, giving out reasons why users should choose Google Apps over Office 365.
All these points to the fact that competition within the cloud is becoming very keen and big firms are doing all possible means to catch a bit of the cake.
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