Microsoft Corporation (MSFT)’s Sneaky Apple Inc. (AAPL) Attack

Perhaps the more interesting part of the tablet wars is the clash between Windows and Android. One could definitely make an argument that Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) should have considered releasing an app that would run on Android tablets to defend against further encroachment by Google Docs. This argument would take the position that as mobile becomes a more central concern of many users, a leap to Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) Docs on an Android tablet could threaten Office more directly, and that giving those users the option would have been prudent. Still, Microsoft is sticking with its hardware plan.

Ultimately, the Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) position makes sense, because defending Windows may be more critical at this point than defending Office. The functionality of Office still exceeds Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) Docs, so driving the OS makes sense. It remains to be seen what, if any, impact the release of the Office Mobile app will have, but the forward motion it represents for Microsoft should be seen as a big positive. By bringing Office to a tiny corner of the iOS ecosystem, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) seems to be taking a very targeted shot at its Cupertino brethren.

Fool contributor Doug Ehrman has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Google and owns shares of Apple, Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG), and Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT).

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