Article 10 tells you why Office 365 is about Microsoft's future

"Office 365 cloud computing services are critical to Microsoft's future development." " U.S. It Web site eWEEK reported that the site said If the service can be successful, it can effectively defend against Google Apps attack, and let Microsoft become a leading cloud computing company

After a series of tests and evaluations, June 28, Microsoft CEO Ballmer (Steve Ballmer) officially released Office 365. The release of the product, whether large or small, is able to use these services after paying a certain fee. And the price is not expensive, the general depending on the needs of the enterprise, for each person 6 dollars per month to 27 U.S. dollars.

Microsoft held a grand Conference on Office 365 to accurately position the platform as an important element of its future strategy and is sparing no effort to attract the attention and interest of the platform.

This concern and interest should not be underestimated. Office 365 is closely related to Microsoft's future. If the platform fails, it will trigger a series of ripple effects that will cause great damage to the software giant over the next few years. If successful, it will become Microsoft's most important product release over the years.

In short, Office 365 is the most important point for Microsoft, for the following reasons:

1. Prove Microsoft's cloud computing power

At the Office 365 Conference on June 28, Mr. Ballmer said the platform was "a combination of office and cloud computing." Although some may think this is nonsense, it does express the direction of Microsoft's development. Office 365 aims to prove to the outside world that Microsoft understands cloud computing and wants to be an important enterprise in this field. If the platform succeeds, Microsoft will achieve this goal. But if it fails, Microsoft will get into trouble. Office 365 must convince companies to fully believe in Microsoft's ability to cloud computing.

2. This is Microsoft's best response to Google Apps in the corporate market

At present, want to use cloud computing service enterprise will put Google apps embrace. This platform can visit Gmail, Calendar, docs and other Google services, the cost of 50 U.S. dollars per person each year. By launching Office 365, Microsoft has made it clear that it believes the new platform is the best response to apps. Microsoft must now win the approval of corporate users.

3. Enhancing the participation of enterprises

The enterprise market is inseparable from Microsoft's business. Microsoft's profit growth over the past few years has come from the corporate market, and the company's dominance in the software sector has also benefited from the corporate market. Microsoft wants to use Office 365来 to keep these enterprise users engaged and to continue selling office software, whether it's a cloud version or a localized version. This shows that this really is closely related to Microsoft's future.

4. Focus on the entire enterprise market

including Office and Windows, Microsoft's current flagship desktop product can attract businesses of all sizes. This has played an important role in Microsoft's past success. Microsoft says the new Office 365 platform will also make a similar appeal to large companies and small businesses. This is vital. By focusing on a wide range of corporate markets, Microsoft will have a better chance of boosting Office 365 and gaining the benefits.

5. Collaboration as King

Microsoft has provided a good collaboration service through SharePoint, and the business community has reacted well to the product. It is not surprising, therefore, that Microsoft will collaborate as an important feature of Office 365. The platform supports SharePoint and fully integrates collaboration capabilities. Companies want to add collaborative services to their Office applications, and Microsoft is meeting their needs, which is good for the company's future development.

6. May become cash cow

Office and windows are still Microsoft's cash cows. However, many other businesses are doing well. Given that the future of Office software will be in the cloud, and Office 365 will be heavily reliant on the web, the service could eventually become a cash cow for Microsoft. But there are also some variables. Microsoft now needs to grasp the trend to meet the needs of enterprise users, thereby leveraging Office 365 for more revenue.

7. Determine Microsoft's future strategy

While Microsoft is aware of the importance of cloud computing, there is still a lot of risk in investing heavily in the business of Office software in cloud computing. If Office 365 eventually fails, Microsoft executives may abandon further investment plans. But if successful, it will fully inspire Microsoft's cloud computing office strategy. In short, Office 365 will determine Microsoft's future strategic direction.

8. Price Test

As mentioned above, Google Apps each person's annual cost of 50 U.S. dollars, less than Office 365, the latter price range is 6 to 27 dollars per person per month. By setting higher prices, Microsoft will position its service as a quality product. However, the reaction of enterprise users remains to be seen. Office 365 will play an important role in Microsoft's future pricing.

9. Setting the framework for future consumer business

Although Office 365 is an enterprise project, it can set a development framework for the consumer business. True, the company has launched a web version of Office applications for consumer users, but the penetration rate is low. There is every reason to believe that Microsoft will plan more consumer projects in the coming years. The success of Office 365 and the reaction of employees to this product may have an impact on Microsoft's future strategic decisions in the consumer market.

10. Compete with Google in new areas

Office 365 is not only Microsoft's best response to Google's apps, but more importantly, the Office service has opened up a new battleground, competing with Google. Prior to this, both sides have been head-on in the mobile, search and operating system markets. With the introduction of Office 365, the two giants are now vying for the corporate market. Historical experience shows that the enterprise market will be the battleground between the two giants.

"Responsible editor: Ma Yi TEL: (010) 68476606"