Microsoft Office is a productivity suite that most computers users at one time or another have used.  It includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook and other applications over the years.  It has been one of the most profitable packages Microsoft has offered and a new version will be released in 2010 that includes an online version to compete with Google Docs.  Google Docs offers a suite similar to Microsoft Office but available online only.  Microsoft Office 2010 will be available in software and online versions.

Google Docs has been widely successful for Google over the last year.  It allows users to create documents either on their computer or online, upload them to the Google Docs server and then work on them, save them and download them back to the computer.  This allows users to work with their documents on the go.  Microsoft Office 2010 wanted to achieve something similar with the new version by giving users the chance to do the same with their software.  This version of Office 2010 will be free to the public, should be compatible with all browsers and allow users to do everything they need with documents through them instead of resorting to Google Docs.

For many Microsoft Office fans, this comes as a welcome addition to the family.  Since compatibility issues can be a fiasco, having the same service to work on documents whether you are at home or not is key to being able to get work done.  This allows Microsoft Office users the chance to use their software here, there and everywhere without worrying about complications, formatting and other issues that might arise by using a different program to open up documents on the go.  For now, Microsoft Office 2010 looks like it will have it all, and that is a welcome addition for all users.