Improved Accessibility is one of the most important advantages of cloud computing. With Microsoft Office Web Apps users can create, edit, share, view and work on documents online. Since its release in 2010, Microsoft has been persistently bringing new features to improve user experience.
Until now, Microsoft Office Web Apps were available to users through Windows Live and to business customers with Microsoft Office 2010. Now with the mobile version of Microsoft Office Web Apps (Office Mobile Viewers), Android and iOS users can also use Microsoft Office Web Apps through their mobile browsers.
Microsoft Office Web Apps As a Part of Office 365 Suite
Microsoft Office Web Apps is a part of Office 365 plans. With Office 365, businesses can virtually access office tools, emails and many other IT services almost from anywhere.
Microsoft Office Web Apps facilitates users to work efficiently on the cloud enabling users to open Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote and PDF documents in a web browser. However, it is not included by default in the Office 365 plans. With an internet connection, you can access your files almost from any device.
Apart from Office 365, Office Web Apps are available to you:
- While you are accessing files from your organisation's libraries.
- While you are accessing your documents through SkyDrive.com in a Home Premium plan.
- While you are using Windows Live.
- While you are accessing documents on a SharePoint Environment provided, you have Office Web Apps configured on the server. (Note: A business, to run Office Web Apps, should be licensed for Microsoft Office 2010. Office Web Apps can be executed on a server that runs Microsoft SharePoint Foundation 2010 or Microsoft SharePoint Server 2010).
- When you want to access Word, Excel, PowerPoint or One Note files on your mobile, iPad or tablet device. All you need is your mobile browser since Office Web Apps has browser-based editing and viewing features.
Microsoft Office Web Apps
Microsoft Office Web Apps offer a suite of online applications that mirror the functionality of their desktop counterparts. These include:
# Word Web App
This online version of Microsoft Word allows users to create, edit, and share documents from any web browser. It includes essential formatting tools, templates, and collaboration features, providing a convenient solution for document creation and editing on the go.
# Excel Web App
Excel Web App enables users to work with spreadsheets online, offering features for data analysis, chart creation, and collaboration. It supports formulas, tables, and pivot table reports, making it a powerful tool for managing and analysing data from anywhere.
# PowerPoint Web App
With the PowerPoint Web App, users can create, edit, and present slideshows online. It includes a variety of themes, transitions, and animations, allowing for the creation of professional presentations without the need for a desktop application.
# OneNote Web App
This app provides a digital notebook experience, enabling users to organise notes, drawings, screen clippings, and audio commentaries. It's designed for note-taking, research gathering, and collaboration, making information easily accessible from any device.
# Outlook Web App
Outlook Web App offers an online email client, calendar, and contacts manager. It supports email organisation, meeting scheduling, and contact management, ensuring users can stay connected and organised without installing the desktop version.
# Lync Web App
Lync Web App facilitates online meetings, instant messaging, and video conferencing. It's designed for corporate communication and collaboration, providing a platform for virtual meetings with features like screen sharing and virtual whiteboards.
The editing features of each web app have been maintained similarly to the corresponding Microsoft Office Program.
Benefits of Microsoft Office Web Apps
Microsoft Office Web Apps, now more commonly integrated within the broader Microsoft 365 suite as Office for the Web, offers a versatile set of features that make it an essential tool for document management and collaboration in the cloud. Here's an expanded look into its key features:
# Document Management
Cloud-Based Accessibility
One of the standout features of Office Web Apps is its cloud-based nature, allowing users to access documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and notebooks from anywhere, at any time. This means that as long as you have internet access, your important files are just a click away in your browser.
Seamless Integration with Desktop Applications
While the web apps are feature-rich on their own, they also offer seamless integration with their desktop counterparts. This means that users can start a document on the web and then open it in the desktop version of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or OneNote for more advanced editing and formatting options.
Version History and Recovery
Office Web Apps includes version history, which allows users to view and revert to earlier versions of a document. This is crucial for tracking changes and ensuring that important information can be recovered if needed.
# Document Co-authoring/Collaboration
Real-Time Co-Authoring
The real-time co-authoring feature is a game-changer for teamwork and collaboration. It enables multiple users to work on the same document simultaneously, with changes and edits updated in real time. This feature supports Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote files, significantly enhancing productivity and collaboration.
Comments and Tasks
Users can leave comments and assign tasks within documents, making it easier to manage project workflows and communication directly within the context of the work being done.
Cross-Platform Support
With its broad browser support, Office Web Apps can be used on virtually any device, making it easy for teams to collaborate across different platforms and devices, including PCs, Macs, tablets, and smartphones.
# Offline Document Syncing
Sync with OneDrive
Documents saved in OneDrive can be edited offline and will automatically sync once an internet connection is re-established. This feature ensures that users can continue to work without interruption, even in the absence of a stable internet connection.
Backup and Recovery
The integration with OneDrive also provides a reliable backup solution, ensuring that documents are safe and can be recovered in case of accidental deletion or loss.
# Accessibility
Accessibility Features
Office Web Apps are designed with accessibility in mind, including support for screen readers, keyboard navigation, and other assistive technologies, ensuring that all users can work efficiently and effectively.
Device and Platform Independence
The web-based nature of these apps means that documents are accessible from any device with an internet connection, breaking down barriers to productivity and collaboration.
# Integration and Extensibility
Integration with Microsoft 365
Office Web Apps are a part of the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, which means they integrate seamlessly with other Microsoft services like Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint. This integration extends the capabilities of the web apps, allowing for a more unified and productive work environment.
Extensibility through Office Add-ins
Users can enhance their experience and functionality of Office Web Apps by using or creating Office Add-ins. These add-ins offer custom commands, new features, and even integration with third-party services, further extending the power of Office on the web.
Microsoft Office Web Apps offer a pleasant user experience. For users using Microsoft Office, working with Office Web Apps is an at-home experience for them. As Microsoft consistently adds new capabilities to Office Web Apps, we anticipate advanced features bringing more ease in collaborating and managing files on the cloud.
Call us at 484-892-5713 or Contact Us today to know more details about Office 365: Manage Documents on the Cloud with Microsoft Office Web Apps.
