Matthew LentiniMicrosoft is shaking up its typical software package model for Office with the introduction of its Office 365 cloud-based service that will see businesses picking and choosing the utilities they want to run.While most cloud services currently on offer are limited to storage, Microsoft is creating a new pricing model for its existing software that could see continuing profit in the changing landscape of mobile computing.
Set for launch in New York this week, the Office 365 cloud service will combine communication and document/media collaboration over the internet, allowing access to Office software on a monthly payment basis.
Rather than buying into the whole suite of Office programs, subscribers can gain access to limited services like email for around US$2 per month. Conversely, they can go for the whole package for under US$30 per month (rather than a few hundred outright).