Microsoft To Launch Office For Linux In 2014

Microsoft has already created a long term strategy for bringing its Office Productivity Suite to iOS and Android but this will not see daylight until the next Windows operating system is released, which is expected to be late next year. However, Microsoft hasn’t just stopped there with Windows, Android and iOS support as they are now working on Linux support too.

A Linux version of Microsoft’s Office package is expected to arrive shortly after the Android release next year. Quoting Michael Larabel of Phoronix, who has spoken to a Microsoft official on the matter, a report reveals that a full Linux port of Microsoft Office is already in the works and could arrive in 2014.

This news does make sense, since Android is based off Linux so making a Linux version should be very similar to making the Android version. Clearly Microsoft is also recognizing that if it wants to stay in-the-game as a big software player then it needs to offer multi-platform support and it is good to see that Microsoft is trying to do exactly that.

One concern for Microsoft to consider is whether Microsoft Office for Linux is even demanded. The entire Linux environment is based on free and open-source programming and a proprietary expensive software build from Microsoft goes precisely against that. Although that said, this kind of software availability on Linux might trigger more companies to follow suit with their software which could lead to a lot of Windows to Linux migrations since a lot of people do not like the trajectory Windows is following.

What are your thoughts on Microsoft releasing Office for Linux?

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