No, Microsoft doesn’t need a native iPad Office app!

Office 365Why should they?

Four reasons why Microsoft shouldn’t:

  1. Microsoft Office is on iPad today: As it stands right now, any iPad user can access office via Office Web Apps. Is it too much to ask iPad cattle to launch a browser and run office from their free Skydrives?
  2. Cost: With every purchase of a Microsoft Office iPad app, Microsoft would be fattening the coffers of the loops at 1, Infinite Loop, in Cupertino, where the vig, I believe, is currently $100. For a subscription purchase, that is unacceptable.
  3. Differentiating factor: Let’s face it, Microsoft Office on Surface, Tablets, and Windows Phone is a key differentiator for those platforms at this time. It is a product that other platforms don’t have, and it makes Microsoft’s OS platforms immediately useful for enterprise and knowledge workers.
  4. Mobile is key to Microsoft’s future fortunes. So far, Microsoft is badly – badly! – trailing in the mobile space. If Microsoft devs its crown jewels for other platforms, why should anyone care about Windows tablets or Windows Phone?

I’m sure there are numerous other issues that may stop Microsoft from developing for iOS.

However, these four, of the top of my melon, are the primary reason why Microsoft shouldn’t develop native Office apps for iOS or Android.

Am I wrong?

© 2002 – 2013, John Obeto for Blackground Media Unlimited

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