Microsoft Office Browser Bound

According to an interview with Steve Ballmer, CEO, Microsoft on Computer Weekly, the next version of Microsoft Office, currently code-named Office 14, is going to be rewritten and Office is going to work in a browser.

There are plans of the new Office Suite being able to be used multiple ways.  First off, would be the typical install like in the past where the software is installed and runs from your PC.  Secondly, would be the option to stream the software image down from a central server or via the Internet.  Last of all would be to run the software using Microsoft Terminal Services.

Microsoft plans to offer a hosted service so that products such as Office can be ran in the cloud.  Although Microsoft is making this move with at least its Office software, it is also stated that there are no immediate plans to scale back development on the desktop or server products in which Microsoft currently offers.

As stated in an article on CNET, “Although Google Apps has seen most of its popularity among consumers, it has started to attract attention from corporate customers. Google Apps got a strong look from Procter & Gamble, which only decided to stick with Office after a strong push from Microsoft. Part of that pitch, Elop said, included Microsoft offering details on its plans for the Web-based versions of the Office programs.”

Personally, I think this is probably a good step on Microsoft’s part, however, the true test will be how much these browser offerings will cost users and also if Microsoft will put the time and effort forth to make them run in third-party browsers like Firefox, Safari, and Opera rather than only in Internet Explorer.