Google buys maker of Quickoffice mobile app - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Google is taking its targeting of Microsoft to a new level with the purchase of Quickoffice. That's the maker of a widely used mobile application for working on documents created in Microsoft's programs for word processing, spreadsheets and presentations.

The deal announced Tuesday gives Google a new weapon to foil Microsoft as more people get work done on smartphones and tablet computers. Quickoffice makes those devices compatible with Microsoft Office even if the software suite isn't installed on them.

Although it makes virtually all of its money from online advertising, Google already has spent several years trying to siphon sales away from Microsoft by offering its own suite of Office-like programs that are accessible over the Internet. Some of these applications, called Google Docs, are given away for free, while more sophisticated versions, called Google Apps, are sold in subscription packages costing $50 annually per user.

Without providing details, Google said in a Tuesday blog post that it intends to incorporate Quickoffice in its paid, Apps suite.

More than 400 million devices are currently equipped with the Quickoffice app, which costs $15 to $20. It works on several types of devices, including Apple's iPhone and iPad and those running Google's Android software. Quickoffice charges additional fees for users who need more editing and sharing tools.

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