iPad to Get MS Office?

Microsoft, Inc.(NASDAQ:MSFT) is developing a version of the MS office for Apple,Inc's (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPad.

According to news publication The Daily, one can get applications like Word, Excel and PowerPoint for $10 each. The launch of the apps will rival the Cupertino-based company's productivity apps. Microsoft has a lot of offering available in the App Store such as Bing, MSN Onit and MSN OnPoint. However, the launch of Microsoft Office App will definitely pick up the pace for the company.

There is no doubt that Microsoft has been developing Windows 8 as well as a tablet to run the new operating system. But the iPad, which uses Apple's own iOS platform, currently dominates the tablet market.

Microsoft's Windows 8 hopes to gain ground against iOS. Windows 8 is designed to fit touchscreen gadgets and comes with a new "Start" screen that is very similar to the Windows Phone 7. The new interface is specially designed for 16:9 screen resolutions and to larger screens.

Windows 8 features a new Desktop tile. However, users may opt to choose the traditional desktop-based application. The "Start" screen features the user's name and avatar. The latest operating system also features a lock screen that shows date and time and notifications and features a background that can be customized based on user's preferences.

The new Windows comes with exclusive Hyper-V virtualization software. The software was previously offered in Windows servers but will now be available in client versions

Microsoft boasted that Windows 8 will utilize the new OEM Activation 3.0 that will make it less susceptible to cracks.

For its part, Apple recently revealed its vision of the future by releasing Mac OS X "Lion" system software, which was patterned on the company's mobile platform, iOS. Remarkably, the software is primarily made to be used with physical keyboard and normal monitors, which either become its advantage or disadvantage.

The Windows 8 developer preview needs the system requirements similar to Windows 7. However, Windows 8 requires higher computer and gadget specs. Having a multi-touch screen apparatus is beneficial to take advantage of the touch input of the new OS. According to a post by Microsoft Vice President Bill Laing on the Windows Server blog, Windows Server 8 delivers high availability and disaster recovery at a better price.

In January 2010 when Apple released iPad, Microsoft senior product manager Mike Tedesco said the company was looking at the possibility of bringing Office to the iPad. Yet just a few months later, Microsoft executive Stephen Elop claimed Redmond had no plans to bring Office to the tablet.

The inception of Microsoft Office in Apple's iPad could develop a mutual relationship for the two companies. Microsoft could gain immense profits as many iOS users will definitely buy the apps. Apple, on the other hand, will gain more credibility with the users. For the meantime, Apple fill in the void caused by lack of MS Office in the device.