Microsoft Web Apps: Use Office Online for Free

The Rise of Web-Based Office Suites

While Google Documents possesses certain limitations, particularly regarding advanced features and performance consistency, it undeniably sparked a significant shift in how people approach office productivity.

The convenience of accessing and collaborating on documents from any device, with seamless sharing capabilities, has proven to be exceptionally valuable.

Microsoft's Response: Microsoft Web Apps

Microsoft has recognized the growing demand for web-based office solutions. However, leveraging their substantial investment in the established Microsoft Office Suite presented a challenge.

Acknowledging this evolving landscape, Microsoft introduced Microsoft Web Apps. This suite of free applications is designed to mirror the functionality offered by Google Documents.

These web applications provide users with a way to perform common office tasks directly within a web browser, without the need for desktop software installation.

The release of Microsoft Web Apps represents Microsoft’s attempt to adapt to the changing needs of users and compete effectively in the cloud-based productivity space.

Accessing Microsoft Office Web Apps Through Firefox

The new Web Apps platform from Microsoft is available via Windows Live. Existing Windows Live account holders can simply log in to begin using the service.

Users without a Windows Live account will first need to create one to gain access to these applications.

Skydrive: Your Online Storage Space

Upon logging in, users are directed to Microsoft’s Skydrive. This functions as your dedicated online storage location.

Skydrive operates similarly to a traditional hard drive, but is accessed entirely through a web browser.

It allows for the creation of new folders for document organization and facilitates easy document movement between these folders.

While the interface differs from that of Google Documents, its functionality isn't quite as comprehensive.

For instance, document thumbnails are not currently supported as a viewing option within Skydrive.

What is Available at No Cost?

The capabilities of Microsoft Web Apps are, as one would anticipate, less extensive than those found within the complete Microsoft Office package. Users gain access to online iterations of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. Each Web App also presents functional constraints when contrasted with its desktop counterpart.

For instance, the Word Web App is best suited for fundamental text manipulation. The inclusion of images and hyperlinks is also possible, but advanced features are absent. Features like commenting, annotation creation, and footer editing are not supported.

However, existing Microsoft Office suite owners can seamlessly open any Web App document within the full, installed version of Microsoft Office. This integration is a significant advantage. While browser-based office suites offer convenience, they generally lack the refinement and functionality of locally installed software.

Microsoft’s approach provides Office users with a versatile solution, combining accessibility with robust performance. Opening a Web App document with a single click bridges the gap between online and offline work.

The user interface of Microsoft’s Web Apps will be instantly recognizable to those familiar with Microsoft Office. This familiarity provides an advantage over alternative free suites, such as Google Documents and Zoho.

Instead of traditional drop-down menus, Microsoft Web Apps employs a contemporary, tabbed interface. Icons are generously sized and easily understood, and commonly used functions are prominently displayed as large, accessible buttons. The learning curve is minimal, allowing for immediate usability.

The design is intuitive and user-friendly.
Key functions are readily available.
Users can quickly become proficient.

I was able to begin utilizing Microsoft Web Apps without any significant delay or difficulty.

Is There a Viable Google Docs Competitor?

Microsoft is often characterized as an aging technology company, struggling to adapt to modern advancements. This perception, fueled by popular advertising campaigns, may be becoming increasingly inaccurate.

Microsoft's Web Apps represent a remarkably robust platform. In several areas, its user interface surpasses that of Google Documents. Furthermore, the Web Apps suite generally operates with greater speed than Google Documents, which is already known for its responsiveness.

This speed advantage was particularly noticeable within the presentation applications. The PowerPoint Web App delivered a significantly smoother experience compared to Google’s equivalent offering.

Seamless Integration is Key

However, the true strength lies in its integration with the desktop version of Microsoft Office. As a committed user of OpenOffice, I am now contemplating a purchase of Microsoft Office 2010 specifically to leverage the one-click integration capabilities with Microsoft’s Web Apps.

I would be grateful to hear from any OpenOffice users who have discovered methods to achieve comparable functionality within the OpenOffice ecosystem.