Microsoft steps up battle with Google
Microsoft is upping its ante against Google. After reports of investing in Facebook and "behind the scenes lobbying" against Google, Microsoft is now interestingly getting into a territory so far ruled by Google i.e. online space. Microsoft Corp today laid out the next phase in its strategy for online services, offering a road map for new offerings that synthesize client, server and services software for people and businesses. These offerings will combine elements of client-based programs with software that runs large servers and new services delivered over the Internet. What it means is that Microsoft introduces "Online" services and Microsoft Office Live Workspace, solutions that combine client, server and services offerings to deliver connected computing options for people and businesses. Being touted as "software plus services" it's perhaps going to be the next phase of growth for Microsoft and also counter the Google effect on the world wide web.
Adobe follows Microsoft
Abobe has decided to follow Microsoft in word and in spirit, it seems. Following Microsoft Adobe joins the software-as-a-service (SaaS) bandwagon. If that wasn't enough its entry into SaaS is through the purchase of a startup firm that's been developing an online word processor that's 'coincidentally' built on Adobe technology. Adobe has agreed to acquire Virtual Ubiquity, the developer of the Buzzword online word processor. Buzzword was built using Adobe's Flex IDE, and runs in the Flash player.
Interestingly it is estimated that Adobe's Flash software is installed on about 98 percent of all personal computer and by 2010 there would be at least a billion Flash enabled phones available.
IBM Lotus Symphony Attracts 100,000 Registered Users in First Week
If the first week is a measure of popularity then IBM has broken its own record in terms of popularity. 1,00,000 is the download figure for Lotus Notes within the first week of its launch. Noteworthy is the download figure is a record for IBM software, surpassing the previous record held by Lotus Notes, IBM's most widely-used product, with 135 million licensed users. Lotus Symphony is fully integrated into Lotus Notes 8, providing users with access to productivity tools as part of their desktop experience -- without having to launch a separate program. Symphony desktop offerings are part of the broader technology trend of enabling faster, more automated movement of information within and between organizations using the Open Document Format. Interestingly ODF versus OOXML battle has taken an interesting turn with the standards body awaiting comments from participants.
{{/usCountry}}If the first week is a measure of popularity then IBM has broken its own record in terms of popularity. 1,00,000 is the download figure for Lotus Notes within the first week of its launch. Noteworthy is the download figure is a record for IBM software, surpassing the previous record held by Lotus Notes, IBM's most widely-used product, with 135 million licensed users. Lotus Symphony is fully integrated into Lotus Notes 8, providing users with access to productivity tools as part of their desktop experience -- without having to launch a separate program. Symphony desktop offerings are part of the broader technology trend of enabling faster, more automated movement of information within and between organizations using the Open Document Format. Interestingly ODF versus OOXML battle has taken an interesting turn with the standards body awaiting comments from participants.
{{/usCountry}}Puneet Mehrotra writes on business and technology issues. puneet@tbe.in