Ballmer unveils new web version of classic software

Microsoft made its biggest move into the world of "cloud" computing yesterday as it unveiled a revamped online version of its hugely profitable Office software suite.

The world's largest software company is heaving its two-decade old set of applications - including Word, Excel and Outlook - into an online format so that customers can use them on a variety of devices from wherever they can get an internet connection.

Microsoft wants to push back against Google, which has stolen a small but growing percentage of corporate customers with its web-only Google Docs software suite. Google Docs removes the need for companies to spend time and money installing software or managing servers.

Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer presented the overhauled and updated set of offerings - collectively called Office 365 - at an event in New York.

Microsoft made its biggest move into the world of "cloud" computing yesterday as it unveiled a revamped online version of its hugely profitable Office software suite.

The world's largest software company is heaving its two-decade old set of applications - including Word, Excel and Outlook - into an online format so that customers can use them on a variety of devices from wherever they can get an internet connection.

Microsoft wants to push back against Google, which has stolen a small but growing percentage of corporate customers with its web-only Google Docs software suite. Google Docs removes the need for companies to spend time and money installing software or managing servers.

Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer presented the overhauled and updated set of offerings - collectively called Office 365 - at an event in New York.