Microsoft Office 365 and The Era of Cloud Processing

With the launch of Office 365 by Microsoft, we have indeed entered a new domain in cloud computing.  But let us explain cloud computing, first, using  Wikipedia,

Cloud computing refers to the use and access of multiple server-based computational resources via a digital network (WAN, Internet connection using the World Wide Web, etc.). Cloud users may access the server resources using a computer, netbook, pad computer, smart phone, or other device. In cloud computing, applications are provided and managed by the cloud server and data is also stored remotely in the cloud configuration. Users do not download and install applications on their own device or computer; all processing and storage is maintained by the cloud server. The on-line services may be offered from a cloud provider or by a private organization.

With the transition of word processing to the cloud, it does imply that many office applications are moving to the cloud space. That is indeed a huge change for how companies work and how they plan.

In the cloud, Microsoft will retail Office 365. There will be Professional subscription for firms with about 25 users or less. There will also be Enterprise subscription for larger firms with more users. This product which went on sale yesterday will surely move to the Windows Mobile  tablet, Tekedia predicts within two years.

Office 365 includes the Microsoft Office suite of desktop applications and hosted versions of Microsoft’s Server products (including Exchange Server, SharePoint Server, and Lync Server), delivered and accessed over the Internet,in effect, the next version of Business Productivity Online Services (BPOS).