Office 365 is Microsoft’s effort to offer business customers a cloud-based alternative to its traditional desktop and server products. Office 365 unites Microsoft’s Office Web Apps with hosted versions of Exchange and SharePoint along with Lync, which kicks in the online communication and collaboration piece.


Jon Roskill one of the Microsoft executives and corporate vice president of Worldwide Partner group confirmed that Office 365 would be released to customers on June 28. The product, which was available in beta phase since April, will be offered in two basic versions. The entry-level Office 365 for Professionals and Small Businesses will include Office Web Apps, Exchange, SharePoint, and Lync online, along with an external Web site and cost $6 per user per month. The larger-scale Office 365 for Enterprises will throw in additional features, such as instant messaging, online meetings, and video conferencing, and will be available in four variations ranging in price from $10 to $27 per user per month.