Microsoft Office heads for the net too

The recent move by Sun Microsystems to offer its Star Office suite (see: ) has got Microsoft thinking. It is now planning a new Internet-based version of its MS Office suite of products.

Microsoft has been equally quick to say it is not reacting to Sun's action, and to downplay the Sun threat. Microsoft's Office runs on about 100 million PCs worldwide, and fetches about 40 per cent of the company's revenues.

George Meng, product manager for Microsoft Office, says Microsoft is working on a new Internet based version of Office because customers are looking for it and not in response to Sun's Star. Mr Meng adds that though the plan may involve partnering with other companies, there are no big technical obstacles.

The product will not be free, but Microsoft is considering different pricing models. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of copies of Star Office have been downloaded from Sun's site.

Though it lacks some features that make Office a clear favourite, Star Office is seen to be acceptable to most computer users. That acceptance will be enhanced when documents can be shared seamlessly across the two suites of applications. Which means Microsoft had better watch out, right?