So here’s the conflict. I am a Systems Engineer and a user, so I tend to get mixed up as to how to view Microsoft user-end products sometimes.

Firstly, global markets are welcoming the advancements in technology and Microsoft to a larger extent in keeping up with the times should be proud. Are there areas for improvement? Sure there is, but Office 2013 if for sure the most product version of the suite by far.

We’re working in the Cloud. Microsoft offers the entire software package online and this includes billing, evaporating the schlep visiting an outlet. Just generally depending on your technology, touch mode is cool and allows you to enlarge icons for interface use, especially if you have extraordinary large fingers.

Cost

For the African market it is a bit pricy – both options that is (Office 365 and Office 2013). There are alternatives but being somewhat of a ‘techie’ – you want everything. Given the new feel and look, it is certainly worth the upgrade, especially if you have a new machine on the way or already made the change. The fact that we’re also advancing with the use of technology, yeah there are other cheaper options but till now, no one really wants to replace their office suite. Even iPad/Mac users still secretly use Office.

Installation

Depending on your machine and this one runs pretty well. Out of the Intel processor family this IBM is running the i3. Start-up on the machine really is a breeze and even Windows 8 Pro 9 The version has a smooth and clean “feel” to it.  It’s quiet. At the same time, let me also mention that it was a also a clean sweep with Office 365. Neat, like the concept and how it operates.

Complete Installation will depend on the connectivity. If you’re still using a chocked up bandwidth, don’t expect miracles. All in all – easy download this time round.

The Cloud

Using your Sky, it’s fairly easy to work on a document within your Word app (not in browser).Magic!  Almost kind of in real-time you can see if anyone is editing the same document you are working on, mark them as closed and share/respond to comments. Don’t forget to save if you working in collaboration, this is needed for your colleagues to get the updates and vice versa.

What’s your experience?  Please comment below…