Microsoft's Office 365 may help PC sales rebound

In announcing availability of its cloud-based Office 365 software in additional markets, Microsoft may promote an increased global demand for PC sales.

Microsoft's Office 365 suite is a cloud-based format of its traditional productivity software, and is the answer to Google Apps in that it allows users to access information stored on it from any internet-connected computer. With so many businesses interested in these kind of cloud capabilities, many may seek additional laptop, netbook or even tablet purchases to give their employees the same access to business documents at home as they do at work.

“Great collaboration is critical to business growth, and because it’s so important, we believe the best collaboration technology should be available to everyone,” said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. “With a few clicks, Office 365 levels the playing field, giving small and midsize businesses powerful collaboration tools that have given big businesses an edge for years.”

The advent of tablet computers has recently cut into PC sales, but new developments from Microsoft, a long-time computer staple, may give desktops and laptops a much-needed rebound. Earlier this month, investment firm JPMorgan Chase reduced its estimate for PC sales for 2011 by 15 million, citing tablet demand.