I have written before about the changes at Microsoft since Satya Nadella took over as CEO (Changing of the Guard (Have Things Changed?). Under Nadella, Microsoft has moved rather rapidly to reshape its relationship to mobile computing. Earlier Microsoft announced that its most popular software (Word, Excel, etc.) now would be available as free applications for mobile platforms. This placed Microsoft software products on many mobile devices and helped to stem migration away from Microsoft desktop software for businesses and individuals who wanted integration across desktop and mobile computing platforms. At the same time, Microsoft has continued to improve the desktop products used by many businesses.
Now comes the announcement that mobile users will get free basic access to Microsoft 360. (Microsoft will continue to charge a subscription fee to access advanced features.) Microsoft 360 essentially is a hub through which desktop and mobile applications can share work product back and forth. This announcement is a big step toward capturing more users on iPhones and iPads. It also is another strategic move to make Microsoft a meaningful player in computing beyond the desktop.
Microsoft products are still a fundamental part of computing in both the office and home. While software from others plays some role, Microsoft has continues to dominate operating systems on desktops and continues refine its software suite. Its current versions of Outlook, Word and Excel are very functional and will become much more important now that they can be used more effectively on all mobile computing devices.
Ultimately, this announcement is going to drive other companies toward greater and better integration of software. For consumers faced the dilemma of different software in the office, at home and on mobile devices, this strengthens Microsoft's hand in trying provide one application platform that will cover the full spectrum.
(Disclosure: The author owns stock in Microsoft, but way, way, way, way fewer shares than Steve Ballmer.)
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