IT abroad: Microsoft releases Office 365

Microsoft has announced its new cloud service Office 365, which is expected to become a rival of Gmail and Google Docs.

Office 365 debuts along with Office 365 Marketplace service intended as a platform to complement basic Office 365. Here users may learn about other Microsoft products, and its partners.

Office 365 service package brings together popular solutions for joint work and united communications: Office, SharePoint, Exchange and Lync. All Office 365 components have been developed to operate as a single mechanism.

Systems, available in the cloud will enable companies all over the world to launch business-platforms saving money on purchasing equipment and maintaining the infrastructure. At the same time at their disposal they will always have latest products and solutions, as all Office 365 elements will be updated automatically with arrival of new versions.

The new product will be offered as two different tariff rates oriented at companies of different size. Office 365 for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees can be up and running with Office Web Apps, Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Lync Online and an external website for $6 per user per month. Large enterprises may choose one out of four tariffs ranging from 10$ to 27$. In addition Microsoft will announce tariff rates for Office 365 targeted at education.