First, Microsoft was forced to rename SkyDrive to OneDrive as a result of a decision handed down by a U.K. court. Now, Redmond has decided (on it’s own volition, this time around) to rename Office Web Apps as Office Online.
“Today we are making two changes. First, we’re renaming Office Web Apps to Office Online so you know where to find our free online experience,” said Microsoft’s Amanda Lefebvre via an official blog post. “We heard from customers that the inclusion of Apps in our name was confusing. Are they something I install? Do I go to an app store to get them? No, to use them all you need is a Web browser. Ah! You say. So it’s like Office, online. Yes, exactly. Office Online. Secondly, a lot of you don’t know that we have an online version of Office because you just couldn’t find it.”
Apps that are available via Office Online include the classic Microsoft productivity programs you’d expect to ship with any version of Office, like Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint. The Microsoft Office Online app roster also features OneDrive, OneNote, People and Calender.
If you already have a Microsoft account, all you need to do to give Office Online a whirl is head over to www.office.com and log in. From there, just choose the app you want work with, and have at it.
With Google Docs firmly established as the Web’s productivity suite, it will be a challenge for Office Online to give Google Docs a run for its money. But the no-brainer rebranding certainly won’t hurt.
What do you think? Sound off in the comments below.
