The new free mobile version of Microsoft Office will have Word, PowerPoint, Excel and all other essential components of the desktop suite. It will work on iPhone, iPad and all Android devices.
Microsoft Office has constantly been a strong performer since it first launched in 1990. Last year it accounted for nearly a third of the company’s total revenue, bringing in over €20 billion.
The decision to release a free mobile version might sound strange given the amount of money that Office still takes in, but it is a necessary move. Google and a host of other companies like Evernote are already providing similar free mobile services.
Under pressure from these offerings, sales of MS Office are reported to have experienced a double digit decline in the first two quarters of 2014.
This move is a reflection of new Microsoft chief executive, Satya Nadella’s aim to keep the brand relevant by putting more focus on cloud and mobile products.
PC sales are continuing to decline as consumers embrace tablets and smartphones. As these devices develop and improve, less users feel the need to own a PC.
