Microsoft Office For iPad Set For 27 March Launch – Report

Microsoft is reportedly set to announce a version of Microsoft Office for the iPad next week, after invites were sent out for an event on 27 March – Satya Nadella’s first major press engagement since he became CEO of the company last month.

The invite states that Nadella will discuss news related to the cloud and mobile and Reuters reports that this will include the unveiling of the long-awaited Office application for Apple’s tablet.

Microsoft Office iPad

Office 365 subscribers can currently access applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint using a web app in the iPad’s browser, but a dedicated app for the office suite has so far been absent. An app has apparently been ready for some time, but has been delayed due to internal divisions within the company, with many reluctant to weaken Windows.

However it is estimated that the continued absence from the iPad is costing Microsoft around $2.5 billion a year and recent developments have suggested the company is keen to get its software on as many platforms as possible. Microsoft launched an Office application for the iPhone last year and has already released applications for OneNote, SkyDrive and Outlook for the iPad.

Earlier this week, Microsoft also released a version of OneNote for Mac, with all versions of the office note taking application now free. It also revealed details of Office 365 Personal, which will be launched in the Spring, and will be the least expensive version of the cloud-based office suite for consumers.

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