Microsoft will change its licensing terms to allow web hosts to offer web-streamed MS Office options through a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model, it was announced yesterday. The move seems to be a direct turnaround from the company’s recent stance on web host Fasthosts’ (http://www.fasthosts.co.uk/) launch of a streamed MS Office service. The move could be a boon for web hosts willing to provide the service, and perhaps a nuisance for companies that have invested in offering Microsoft Exchange services.
Although Microsoft’s move is yet to be announced, reports suggest it will be announced at next week’s Microsoft Management Summit in Las Vegas. Endeavors Technologies, one of Microsoft’s partners, is so sure they announced the service in a press release.
"We’ve anticipated this change and are pleased that Microsoft now has a date for allowing service providers to stream Microsoft Office,” explained the CEO of Endeavors, Mr. Peter Bondar. “We have completed proof of concept programs with a number of providers and have been waiting for the amended SPLA program to roll out new services. Through our partnerships with Partner Advantage and others, we are poised to take advantage of the new business opportunities on day one. We applaud Microsoft in taking this bold step."
