Microsoft, the true leader in email service when the word 'Hotmail' for an internet user having an email id was a must. User views changed when search giant Google rolled out its part of the email service known as 'Gmail'.
A quick downfall was witnessed for Hotmail accounts as users made a choice to unlimited data storage email service. With the development and upgrades made to others, Microsoft couldn't sit idle and started to change the looks as well as services. Today, Microsoft rolled out the latest enhancements to its Hotmail Web mail service, to gain user confidence and win them back.
Hotmail users can now send photos and handle Office documents in a much better and easier way. With an aim directly hitting Gmail and Google Doc's users, the company has brought the Web-based version of Microsoft Office directly available within Hotmail's Web interface. This upgrade will offers users to edit, share and send documents in formats of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote.
The latest version of Hotmail will let users open and modify those document types within the browser with no additional software to download, said Dharmesh Mehta, director of product management for the company's Windows Live business. For richer document graphics, users will need to install a plugin for Silverlight, Microsoft's multimedia application.
Another major benefit for the Hotmail users would be the online storage facility using the Microsoft's SkyDrive. Users can set permissions for different users to access the documents.
With the credit crunch hitting all users, purchasing of Microsoft Office has been made easier and accessible. Companies as well as individuals can use the online facility which can be said as a major win for the Software market.