Microsoft Office 365 Gets Service Updates

Microsoft has announced the first major service update for Microsoft Office 365, the company’s next-generation cloud productivity service for businesses of all sizes.

Microsoft has added more than 30 new updates to Office 365 that include Lync support for Mac Computers, new SharePoint Business Connectivity Services that allow people to connect with information in their company’s CRM or SAP software, and support for Windows Phone 7.5.

“We are seeing really positive momentum for Office 365. Customers are adopting Office 365 eight times faster than our previous service, and the solution is on track to become one of our fastest-growing offers in Microsoft history,” said Kurt DelBene, President, Office Division, Microsoft. “We are also seeing great traction with small businesses, with more than 90 percent of our early Office 365 customers coming from small businesses.”

SkyDrive, Microsoft’s personal cloud storage service also got simpler app-centric sharing for Office, powerful file management and easier uploads with HTML5.

“Today’s news illustrates how we are executing like never before in the cloud with more customers, capabilities and commitment than anyone in the industry. All this while others search for their focus,” said Takeshi Numoto, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Office Division.