Microsoft announces full global launch of cloud-based Office 365

Microsoft have finally release the full version of its cloud productivity suite – Office 365. It has taken nine months since they first announced it and a staggering 3 months since public beta. We can only presume they had a few teething problems!

Office 365 is Microsoft’s bid to move itself into the growing companies that are cloud-based service providers, which Google of course has the largest share. Even though Microsoft is still the leading productivity software company, thank to Office, it has still viewed Google’s investment in Google Apps as a major threat and one which required a strong response. Office 365 is Microsoft’s attempt to keep Office as the default choice for professionals and small businesses by making it more bespoke while affordable.

“Great collaboration is critical to business growth, and because it’s so important, we believe the best collaboration technology should be available to everyone,” said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. “With a few clicks, Office 365 levels the playing field, giving small and midsize businesses powerful collaboration tools that have given big businesses an edge for years.“

Microsoft will be hoping that it has done enough to keep itself ahead of the Google alternatives.