Google Deal Takes Aim At Microsoft

Google is buying Quickoffice, the maker of a popular mobile application for working on documents running in Microsoft’s programs for word processing, spreadsheets and presentation.

THE BATTLEGROUND: Google Inc. has been trying to siphon away customers from Microsoft’ Corp.’s lucrative Office software franchise for years. Acquiring Quickoffice’s technology will give Google another way to undercut the usage of Microsoft programs as more people get their work done on smartphones and tablet computers.

THE ATTRACTION: More than 400 million devices are equipped with Quickoffice, whose app sells for $15 to $20. Financial terms of the acquisition weren’t disclosed.