Microsoft Office 2010: Worthy, But Not Worth It

Windows 7, open-source competition hold Chrome OS back

(NEWSER) - Microsoft needn’t stress about Google’s planned operating system, writes Joseph Tartakoff for paidContent. Five reasons why:

• Windows 7 will put Microsoft on firmer ground, having won great reviews so far—and it will have been out 9 months by the time Chrome OS appears.
• Google’s not the only behemoth that knows users are running apps inside their browsers more often: Microsoft is developing a new "browser-based OS" with that in mind.

Annual fee aims to bring penny-pinchers, pirates into fold; includes software updates

(NEWSER) - Microsoft will start selling its Office software package on a subscription model in mid-July, the AP reports. Instead of paying around $200 for Office, consumers can pay $70 a year, with no additional cost for new versions. In addition to the Office programs, the subscription bundle—named “Equipt”—will come with Microsoft’s OneCare security software. More»

Firm's core apps face Google competition

(NEWSER) - Microsoft is considering introducing a subscription-based business model for its Office suite of applications in the US, the Wall Street Journal reports. The firm said it was launching a beta testing program, “Albany,” and expected to make the subscription generally available by the end of 2008. Microsoft’s Office is facing some competition from Google and Yahoo, who offer free web software that performs similar functions. More»

Expansion of partnership with Salesforce puts Softy on defensive

(NEWSER) - Google and Salesforce.com have expanded their partnership in customer-management and office software, the New York Times reports, in an ongoing competition with Microsoft and its Office suite. Salesforce’s software will be further integrated with Google’s applications—a milestone in the search giant’s efforts to challenge Microsoft in business settings. More»

23% gains in first quarter; new PC sales drive gains

(NEWSER) - Microsoft yesterday reported a 23% leap in net income and its best revenue growth since the dot-com boom, making it an isolated winner in a tumbling market. The announcement drove up the company's shares 10% in after-hours trading. The sales of new PCs with Windows installed helped drive the gains, especially in developing countries creating large new markets for computers. More»