Microsoft Testing Freeware Waters for Microsoft Works

There's no download links for this blog. But, I just had to say something about the news that Microsoft is going to bundle Microsoft Works (kind of a Microsoft Office Lite) for free (ad supported) with some PCs. Microsoft Works 9 can be purchased for as low as $35 now. So, it is not a terribly expensive product to begin with. However, I don't think Microsoft has taken this idea anywhere near far enough. I was just thinking about Microsoft Works this past week as I used Google Docs' word processor and spreadsheet.

First, Microsoft should makes Works a free download (ad-supported would be ok, I guess) now. Skip the part of buying a new PC.

Second, build the web version now and give it a way to easily sync with the client-based version. You know that Google must have a bunch of really smart people working on getting Google Docs working with Google Gears for offline use.

Third, bump up Windows Live Folders from 500MB (cough, puny, puny, cough) to 2 to 5 GB. And, add give it drive sync capability (to allow it to look like a connected network drive) and connect it up to Live Works (see you already have a name for the service). This means you can store word processing and spreadsheet documents to Live Folders directly from Live Works from any PC. Then, you can easily access it from Microsoft Works on your home or office desktop when you need a bit more speed or need to take it on a flight, train, or boat (or underground for that matter).