Yesterday morning, Microsoft Malaysia has officially launched the Microsoft Web Apps, a web based tool which allows you to create, access, edit and even share your Microsoft Office documents no matter where you are. This service has been around for quite sometime in United States & currently being introduced in other countries as well.

What do you need to use this Microsoft Web Apps? Well, all you need is a computer with internet access and a compatible browser (Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer, Opera etc). You do not need to have a Windows based operating system to do this. During the launch event, this Web Apps system was tested in Windows, Linux (Ubuntu) & also Apple Mac OS. No hiccups there.

The Microsoft Web Apps does not limit you to only computers. In today’s world where mobile technology is growing in a speed of lightning, many of us work on our Microsoft Office documents on the go. Microsoft Web Apps is also compatible with many smartphones out there (and also a few mobile phone). There is some limitations with Web Apps when you use it via a mobile phone. For instance, you will not be able to create a new document or edit your documents. I would not call this as a limitation entirely because your smart phone views the Microsoft Web Apps page on a site which is optimized for mobile devices. You can easily convert it to a normal site as how you access it via your PC. All you need to do is click on “PC Site” link which is found at the bottom of the page.

The Microsoft Web Apps is integrated with your Windows Live account. So all you need is your MSN/ Hotmail/ Live ID to get started. From there, you can do more than just checking your emails and using Microsoft Web Apps. What other features can you find there?

1) SkyDrive – Free online storage with 25Gb space. Allows sharing.

2) Photo album – allows you to upload your sweet memories and share them with your loved ones.

3) Live Messenger – you can now chat without downloading a messenger app. Facebook chat integration is now available too.

Above are just a few that I’ve tried. If you would like to know more about Microsoft Web Apps and other services offered, please refer to the links below :

[Microsoft Office Web Apps] [Windows Live - All Services] [Wiki - Office Web Apps]