Microsoft Office Web Apps

Office Web Apps is a project signed by Microsoft that attempts to extend the functionality of the Office suite to browsers, where content can be edited and shared across teams and platforms. It is a stripped down version of Office that can be used exclusively in the online environment.

Under the hood

Unlike the rich selection of programs offered by the desktop edition of Office, the Web Apps include support for only four of the components, namely Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote.
The web platform contains most of the functionality comprised in the standalone Office edition, with the possibility to share documents with your team in a seamless manner.

A special feature set for business users

Access to Office Web Apps is carried out through your browser of choice, however, there is a twist in what business use is concerned. For companies, it is possible to run the web-based version of Office on a server that sustains a SharePoint, Lync or Exchange installation.
This is possible through a package especially designed for business users who want to provide clients that depend on server implementations with a browser-enabled runtime of the Office suite.

The transition to Office Online

Following several complaints that the name Office Web Apps was confusing to end users (some thought it referred to an app store), Microsoft rebranded the product to Microsoft Online. The change also brought access to services such as OneDrive and Office 365.

The perks of the web-based approach

Office Web Apps or Office online makes for an easy way to edit documents, spreadsheets and presentations from anywhere without having to install the suite. Access is granted based on your Microsoft account and a valid Office license.