Microsoft plans an online version of Office as a low cost productivity suite in an effort to expand Office user base across the globe. It may pose an attempt to compete with Google Workspace by providing basic document editing, spreadsheets, and presentations at no extra cost. The free version seems to be intended for occasional users and persons who will require minimal productivity tools without asking for the subscription loss.

Highlights:

• Microsoft is trialing a free, web-based Office suite.
• The free version includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• No subscription or Microsoft 365 account is required.
• Accessible via any web browser on multiple devices.
• Aimed at casual users and lightweight productivity needs.

Microsoft Office includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other applications, but the free version only offers the basic functions of the software to use without the necessity of buying a license to make more advanced features available. It is simple to use because users can output and edit documents through web browsers, so it is suitable for one-off tasks. This is in a bid to achieve Microsoft’s vision of attracting more clients and combat free rivals such as Docs Google.

The free version requires only a Microsoft account and a working internet connection from the user. All of the tools made available for use are web-based hence can be easily used on browsers such as chrome, Microsoft edge, and Safari. Nevertheless, the free version does not come with all the features as provided in Microsoft 365 but will suffice for normal needs including anyone who is a student, freelancer or a small-scale businessman.

This may drastically change the landscape of productivity software by bringing a more credible free software. For this reason, Microsoft also has the intention to gain users who would later subscribe to her affluent services. The free version also reflects the focus of the company on cloud solutions so that the services can easily be accessed across devices.