Confirmed: Microsoft Is Working On Touch Optimized Version Of Office For iPads And Surface Tablets

According to a new report, Microsoft is working on a touch-optimized version of its popular Office suite for the iPad. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer revealed these plans while speaking at a Gartner event in Florida recently.

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The company will first deliver a version of the app first to its homemade Surface tablet, a device which rivals Apple's iPads. Earlier this year, Microsoft had launched a version of its Office 365 for iPhone customers, but it required users to pay a subscription fee. We expect a similar revenue model to be followed for the iPad app as well.

The report also added that Microsoft insiders have expressed the "need to own the productivity experience across all devices." Currently, Microsoft's Office Suite happens to generate a lion's share of the company's revenues. It is the app of choice by enterprises around the world and has become a standard in recent times. Even Apple's iWork suite hasn't been able to dent Office's supremacy in the segment.

However, free-alternatives like Libre Office have become a favorite of many enterprises over the last few years. Since they are free, light, efficient and have full compatibility with all Office documents and files, they are cheaper options for companies and home users.

Some analysts even say that it is because of Microsoft Office that Bill Gates continues to be one of the richest men in the world. However, all this is changing slowly, if not steadily.

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