Microsoft has not given up on the concept

While the entire version of Office is still a chunky and pricey piece of software, soon all microsoft office 2016 professional applications will be available through the web.

Better still, for consumers they'll be free.

Microsoft is playing towards the strength of their global reach. "Microsoft Office Web Apps" is going to be available to a lot more than 500 million people using free Windows Live services such as Hotmail, online storage Skydrive and Messenger.

Another boost: as Docs.com, the service is going to be available to all users of Facebook, one of the world's most popular social networking sites.

Microsoft's biggest weapon, though, argues Forrester's Sheri McLeish is "familiarity", which "can 't be underestimated".

Many people just understand how to use Office - although that's true only to a place. With Office 2007, buy windows 8 introduced a new top-level navigation, a so-called ribbon of commands relevant in the context of what you were focusing on.

What seemed like advisable turned out to be a significant irritation for most. Microsoft hasn't given up on the idea, though, and presented the ribbon across all Office applications, including their online versions.

After lots of refinements, "we are seeing less and less negative feedback on the ribbon," says Per-Olof Schroeder of cheap office 2010 professional plus division.