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Do you hear those screams of happiness coming from all directions? No, it isn’t because Barack Obama will be our President for the next four years, but are because of the just-released news that Microsoft Office Mobile will be officially debuted in the beginning of next year on the iPhone, iPad and assorted Android devices.

Being unveiled as free apps that let Android and iOS users view, edit and create Microsoft (News - Alert) Office documents no matter where they are and at any time, it is required to first establish a Microsoft account before accessing these applications.

“On first launch, a Microsoft account will provide access to the basic viewing functionality in the apps. Word, PowerPoint, and Excel documents will all be supported, and edit functionality can be enabled with an Office 365 subscription,” an article revealed.

Moreover, while the technology giant will be enabling iOS users to purchase an Office 365 subscription via the app, companies also have the option of sending confidential codes that users can leverage to access Office Mobile for simple editing. Office 365 is a cloud-based collaboration product allows companies to seamlessly connect geographically separated workforces, streamline communications and slash costs.

According to company officials, Office Mobile for iOS will be first powered sometime in February, with the Android (News - Alert) edition being released just in time for spring in May.

While this is some pretty exciting information, healthcare providers are also jumping with joy over the news that Office 365 is now HIPAA- Compliant.

As institutes of higher learning continue to transition to this platform, measuring up to rigorous mandate like HIPAA are key to avoid any problems in the future. Thomas Jefferson University’s Chief Information Officer, Doug Herrick, recently stated, "We needed a service for faculty and staff that could pass by our legal folks and our privacy folks. That knocked Gmail out; it was fine for students, but faculty and staff needed a vendor that would sign an agreement with us and have it be relative to HIPAA requirements."

Additionally, Office 365 University will be making its way to various campuses early in the New Year, allowing full- and part-time students alike as well as faculty and staff at accredited institutions to purchase a full four-year subscription for just $80. That is broken down into only $1.67 a month for a robust portfolio that continues to expand.