Microsoft with their slogan “Be what’s next” is moving business to the
cloud with their new release of Office 365 on June 28th 2011. Recently this
is been a topic that is highly discussed, so thought why not take some time
out for it. Cloud computing considers service as a whole than as a product.
Shared resources, software’s and information are provided as a single
utility in a Cloud.  Office 365 is an enhancement over ‘Business
Productivity Suite (BPOS)’ which had been offering software as a service on
branded Microsoft applications. According to the reviews, this new cloud is
expected to greatly reduce the cost of IT with the easy to administer
features. A 30 day trail version is available for use which would assist in
arriving at a decision if you are looking for the actual results.

Office 365 is a collaboration of tools that rightly fits in any office
needs, needless to mention if it’s a small business or a professional or a
big multinational firm. Microsoft has come up with specific pricing to
address small, mid-sized and large firms with monthly subscription plans.

Office 365 includes
Microsoft Office
Microsoft Exchange Online
Microsoft SharePoint Online
Microsoft Lync Online
Giving a new opportunity to work and share ideas. Active Directory
Federation Services 2.0 with single sign-on is a new addition with Office
365. With Office 365 you can do anything from instant messaging, video
conferencing, file/work sharing, commenting, reviewing, email migrations,
website developments etc.  It addresses the security features and provides
hierarchical access control and restrictions to sensitive data.

Google Docs is also a similar product to Office 365 however Office 365 is
more in sync with the desktop clients and has better functionality. Google
Docs holds an edge in terms of interoperability. I am not going to get
deeper with the comparisons. Opting for a cloud provides a strategic
approach to cut down maintenance cost.