Date: 03-05-2008
Microsoft has decided to reply to the increasing popularity of Google's Apps software with its own version of online server-based software. According to the Wall Street Journal, ''Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates is expected to announce online services to handle email, calendars, contact lists, video conferencing, and other functions for small and medium-size businesses.'' Google's Apps software currently offers spreadsheets, word-processing, and presentation programs run from Google's servers — which means that no additional load is put on the user's PC — whereas Microsoft Windows takes a significant processing toll on a PC's memory. Google claims that it has already signed up 500,000 businesses for Google Apps, a success that is causing considerable concern at Microsoft. Some analysts state that Microsoft has no choice but to match Google's endeavors or slash its own software prices.
