I have almost entirely become a Google Docs User; it is simple, cheap (free), and gets the job done 99% of the time. There are times, mostly when dealing with spreadsheets and numbers, that I have to use Microsoft Office. To be frank, I don't like doing it at all. Microsoft Office represents such bloat on my 80 GB SSD drive, that I resent using it. I would love it if someone would come along and give me a true lightweight and powerful Office replacement. Wouldn't it be ironic if Microsoft were that someone.

Rumor has it that with the release of Microsoft Office 2010, the Big Window from Redmond will release an online, add supported, and fully functional Microsoft Office suite. First, this online office suite would replace Microsoft Works, which is convenient. Works is always the first piece of bloatware I have to uninstall when I set-up a new PC or help a friend restore theirs. Second, an online suite is the perfect companion for the millions and millions of Netbooks that are spreading across the world. Lastly, there are many people like myself who love Google Docs and Zoho; if the alternatives continue to improve, we will continue to leave.

The ad supported office will not have PowerPoint or Outlook. In my opinion, that is a plus; while I might miss PowerPoint, I have not used Outlook in years. Users who are in need of those two programs will be able to upgrade the ad supported basic suite with a retail card, downloadable code, or retail box. Microsoft is fighting back, and this battle might be won by Redmond.

via CrunchGear