Microsoft and Dropbox announced a strategic partnership, which will see Dropbox integration with Microsoft Office on phones, tablets, and the web. As the announcement notes, there are already over 35 billion Office files being hosted by Dropbox.
Users will be able to access Dropbox from Office apps, edit Office files directly from Dropbox (and sync them across devices), and share new or edited files from the Office apps using Dropbox’s sharing functionality.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said, “In our mobile-first and cloud-first world, people need easier ways to create, share and collaborate regardless of their device or platform. Together, Microsoft and Dropbox will provide our shared customers with flexible tools that put them at the center for the way they live and work today.”
Dropbox CEO and co-founder Drew Houston added, “People around the world have embraced Office and Dropbox to empower the way they live and work today. Our partnership with Microsoft will make it easier than ever to collaborate seamlessly across these platforms, giving people the freedom to get more done.”
The new functionality will be included in upcoming updates to the Office apps for iOS and Android in the next few weeks. Web integration will come in the first half of next year. Interestingly, Windows Phone and Windows tablet platforms are taking a back seat to iOS and Android as well, with integration to happen on those in the coming months.
The features will be available to all Office users with a Dropbox account. Dropbox for Business users will require an Office 365 subscription.
Image via Microsoft