Microsoft today released a version of its popular Office suite for the iPhone. Office Mobile is available now for free on the App Store but only subscribers to Microsoft’s premium cloud-based Office365 service can use the new app. The app is in direct competition with Apple’s own iWork suite, which includes many of the same applications and features. 
After signing in to an Office 365 account, users can access, view and edit Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents on their phones.
The app also comes pre-installed on all Microsoft Windows Phone devices.
Microsoft has worked in deep integration with SkyDrive, the company’s cloud-based storage service. The cloud-centric approach allows users to make quick edits and share documents straight from their phones. When working with others, users can review comments in Word and Excel documents and then save directly to their SkyDrive accounts and just send as an email attachment.
Microsoft says the iPhone will not count towards the five desktop machines users are allowed to install Office on with their 365 account. Instead, subscribers to the service will be allowed to install the Office suite on up to five iPhones.
Microsoft currently offers its Office 365 service for $99.99 per year, or $9.99 per month. The subscription also includes 20 GB of SkyDrive storage, as well as 60 minutes of Skype call time per month.
Filed Under: Devices
