Microsoft released Microsoft Web Apps, a set of free applications which emulate the functions of Google Documents. I've only just got round to trying them out.

Microsoft's new Web Apps platform is accessed through Windows Live. If you have a Windows Live account you just need to log into it and you're good to go. If you don't have a Windows Live account you will need to create one before you gain access.

Once you log in, you will be greeted by what Microsoft calls Skydrive.

The Skydrive is simply your online storage. It works a lot like a normal hard drive, although of course, you have to access it through your web browser. Users can create new folders for storing and sharing documents and you can move documents from folder to folder. The interface is different from Google Documents.
As expected, the functionality of Microsoft Web Apps is limited compared to the complete Microsoft Office suite. Users are only be able to use web-based versions of...

  • Word,
  • Excel,
  • Powerpoint and
  • OneNote.
The functionality of each Web App is limited when compared to the full version, as well. The Word Web App, for example, is only really suitable for basic text editing. Users can also add photos and links, but that is about it. Users can't add comments, create annotations or edit footers.

If users already own a Microsoft Office suite, however, they'll be able to open any Web App document in the full version of Microsoft Office. The value of this feature can't be overstated. While browser-based office suites are interesting, they are never as smooth or as functional as a office suite installed on your local machine. By integrating the ability to open a Web App document with just one click Microsoft gives Office users the best of both worlds.

The interface of Microsoft's Web App's will be immediately familiar if you use Microsoft Office. This makes Microsoft's Web App's better than other popular free suites. Rather than relying on old-fashion drop-down menus, Microsoft Web Apps follows the more modern tabbed design. Icons are large and intuitive, and the most frequently needed functions are represented by large buttons which are easy to find.

Visit http://office.live.com/ to sign-in or register to try the Microsoft Web Apps.