According to the International Finance News Microsoft announced on November 1 that it would step up online services regarding Windows operating system and other common software programs in order to meet the challenge from companies like Google. As the demarcation between the home and office is gradually blurred and the function of notebook computers grows stronger, market demand for software and service to be used anywhere anytime is surging. Having detected the trend Microsoft decided to adjust its strategy by making software more suitable for use online. Microsoft's new plan will focus on letting the customer add needed functions and services online at will through network software hosting service.

Board chairman of Microsoft Bill Gates said on November 1 that it is a revolution on traditional software and great transformation for the software industry as a whole. According to the plan Microsoft will help small and mid-sized businesses use and maintain emails and spreadsheets etc with OfficeLive.

Meanwhile, Microsoft also provides customers with the WindowsLife service, which includes MSN instant messaging and email functions etc. The new service also allows users to transmit information from one computer to another. This is so far Microsoft's most important move in marching into the online service area where Google and Yahoo have the leading position. Earlier Google and Sun Microsystems announced to jointly provide online service. However, neither has provided detailed cooperation plan.

By People's Daily Online