bbraakman

It is not just Apple iOS devices that I am talking about. I am also not advocating Apple's policies or even technologies.

Microsoft has a history of always developing for their own (just as well complicating) platform, so does Apple. From both perspectives I would say: why not make something (good) available to as many users as possible. Apple built in Exchange support in Mac OS X (and iOS). That is a product from their direct competitor...

Why did they actually discontinue IE for the Mac (years ago) or did they never release IE for Linux. One of the reasons IE is losing market share (relatively) must be that people who are coming from other platforms, tend to stick with the browser they like. IE 4 was great at the time (and won the browser war with Netscape). I do not understand why they (MS) seem so fearful of embracing the open standards/multiple platform approach.

Someone else reacted that Office Live does work on the iPad (I never tested it). Anyhow - as web apps are not what ticks (at the moment) on the mobile devices (Apps are) - I was referring to an actual App version of Office.

Yes, I agree - VS is a nice development platform. But it is mainly designed to develop for the Microsoft platform. (though even that is changing a lot bit and they are going more the "Eclipse IDE" path now.

Yes, it is amazing what they achieved with MS Office. Yet, there are plenty of companies who actually are trying an Office-free life as the licences are actually quite expensive. Compatibility between various Office programs (alternatives) has increased and for basic stuff Google Docs works actually nicely. I found the relationship between MS Office and MS Windows the most interesting. How strong will MS Office be, without Windows. Office is the Killer app that Windows has. But a lot of people are steering away from Windows. This is not going to happen overnight, but it might happen sooner or later. Also - plenty of companies are still working with Office 2003 (or even 2000). The cost op upgrading is pretty significant, so companies wait longer and longer for that. That is very bad for innovation (as you keep being stuck with older software) but good for the companies wallets.

Editing of documents (albeit simple editing) is something people want on their iPads (and to some extend on other smaller devices too). Do not agree with you there.

So what mobile platform does MS Office Live work on then? Only on Windows Phone (or Windows Mobile)? Are they making these things web-standard browsers incompatible on purpose? Or do they really only know/want to develop for IE browsers, ActiveX or Silverlight or .Net technology based stuff? Is there anyone from Microsoft out there who can explain??

Good one :) - In that light, do you think the Office for the Mac division has a strategy for Office for iOS (but is just not allowed or funded to develop that product)?

@metamemetics - I agree. With the Xbox - though seemingly unprofitable for years (in the beginning) - Microsoft has deployed a successful strategy (or at least the product turned successful). I decided to not venture into that area of MS business (and have left many other sides of their business undiscussed as well). Even in the entertainment area though - casual gaming and handheld gaming (two very important businesses) have been largely left untouched by MS.