Microsoft WebApps - Mobile Web sites in Windows Phone app's clothing

Microsoft Office WebApps are in fact web applications that are touch friendly and help in the creation, editing and sharing of OneNote, Word, Excel as well as PowerPoint files from any browser. The documents can be worked on and simultaneously shared with co-workers, friends and classmates. Different versions are not required to be merged later. Lately the organization has released a collection of free applications that simulate the activities of Google Documents.

Some features of Microsoft WebApps

This WebApps platform by Microsoft can be accessed with the help of Windows Live. Users having a Windows Live account can simply proceed by logging in. In case there is no such account, one needs to be created before access can be gained. After log in, you will have access to Skydrive, which is in fact an online storage facility. New folders can be created for sharing or storage of documents and documents can also be moved from one folder to another.

It is true that so far as MS Web Apps are concerned, the functionality is limited when compared to the entire MS Office suite. The web-based versions of Excel, Word and so on can be used. For those already owning the Microsoft Office suite, it is possible to open any kind of Web App document in the complete version of MS Office.

If you are a regular user of MS Office, then the interface of these WebApps becomes very familiar and convenient to handle.

MS Web Apps offer a very solid platform whose interface surpasses that of Google Documents in terms of quality and other parameters. It is also speedier and smoother, especially when we talk about the Powerpoint app.

Brand new applications in store

The MS Web Apps are in fact websites packed up in the garb of mobile applications. They come for free and can be downloaded from the Windows Phone Store. The latest collection of interesting apps comprises applications catering to CarMax, J.Crew, Orbitz, TMZ, 1-800 Flowers, the Food Network and Southwest Airlines.

The WebApps team is in fact a component of the Windows Store team and happens to be different with respect to the Microsoft Publisher Account, which is actually the team that is responsible for making available Microsoft applications officially for Windows Phone.

As stated by a Microsoft spokesperson regarding the functions of the team, it is facilitating fascinating mobile experiences through these creations that reveal themselves in the app list. These cannot be considered as replacements for native products. The organization is positive that the usage of these apps, in majority of the cases, would encourage ISV to go for the publication of its own native app.

It might be that through the creation of WebApps, Microsoft is urging developers to indulge in building increased degree of brand-name via popular Windows Phone applications. Considering the data available as of mid 2013, the store has around 160,000 apps. Going by the report of Microsoft, the up-to-date tally is around 175,000.

Any violation on the cards?

The question has come up whether Microsoft is going against its own policies for app development for Windows Phone through these new creations. A segment of the policy says that a Windows Phone app should have more functionalities rather than simply launching a particular web page. But it may not be violation in the real sense of the term, because these apps are in fact incorporating content in the app.

Microsoft is very positive on the grounds that these standalone creations will be welcomed by most website owners, as they offer convenient means to connect customers to some of the most popular websites, rendering an enriched application-based experience.

While everyone is busy on speculation, if you have an app idea which you need to get developed for Windows phone, mobile app development companies can help you build great apps neat and quick!

We provide mobile app development services for diverse platforms including Windows Phone, iPhone and Android. If you would like to speak to one of our folks before you hire mobile app developers from us, please send us an email and we would be glad to assist.