We know that Microsoft will be releasing their new Office for iOS and Android, and had expected the software to launch by the end of the year, although according to a recent report we may have to wait until 2014.
According to Mary Jo Foley from ZDNET, we will have to wait until next year to see Microsoft Office on Apple’s iPhone and iPad, the news comes from a Microsoft roadmap.
My theory is that given the obvious internal debate over the pros and cons of Office on iPad inside Microsoft, a deal was struck: Yes, the Office team could agnostically support non-Windows platforms with the Office 2013 wave of products. But it needed to wait until Windows 8/RT was firmly established in the market. […]
Office for iPad, launched at the same time as Windows 8/RT, would most likely have killed the market for Windows 8 and RT devices.
Reasons for the Delay
The delay in the release of Microsoft Office for iOS and Android can be attributed to several strategic considerations. One of the primary reasons is the need to ensure that Windows 8/RT gains a strong foothold in the market. Microsoft has invested heavily in its Windows 8/RT ecosystem, and releasing Office for competing platforms too soon could undermine this investment. By delaying the release, Microsoft aims to give Windows 8/RT devices a competitive edge, encouraging users to adopt their own hardware and software solutions.
Additionally, the development of a robust and seamless Office experience on iOS and Android requires significant time and resources. Microsoft is likely focusing on ensuring that the Office suite performs optimally on these platforms, providing users with the same level of functionality and user experience that they expect from the desktop versions. This involves extensive testing and optimization to address the unique challenges posed by mobile operating systems.
Impact on Users and Market
The delay in the release of Office for iOS and Android has significant implications for both users and the market. For users, particularly those who rely heavily on Microsoft Office for their professional and personal tasks, the delay means they will have to continue using alternative office suites or web-based solutions. This can be inconvenient for users who prefer the familiarity and features of Microsoft Office.
On the market front, the delay provides an opportunity for competitors to strengthen their position. Office suites like Google Workspace and Apple’s iWork have been gaining traction, and the absence of Microsoft Office on iOS and Android gives these alternatives a chance to attract more users. However, the eventual release of Office for these platforms is expected to shake up the market, as many users are likely to switch back to Microsoft’s offering due to its comprehensive features and integration with other Microsoft services.
As soon as we get some more information on exactly when Office will launch on Apple’s iOS we will let you guys know.
Source The Next Web
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