Microsoft is no longer the company that only supports its own platform. The company is turning into something else, it is becoming "cool". We've long known of Microsoft plans to release a version of its Office Suite for both Android and iOS devices. However, what we didn't know, till now, was the release date.

According to a report from a Microsoft product manager in the Czech Republic, Office for Android and iOS devices is slated for a 2013 release. He didn't specify which date, but did mention this will happen after the month of March, which means Android and iOS users are in for a long wait.

"In addition to Windows, Office will also be available on other operating systems: Windows Phone, Windows RT, Mac OS, Android, iOS and Symbian." - Company statement

Do not confuse Windows RT with Windows. Windows RT is a dumbed down version of Windows that runs on ARM processors, while full fledged Windows will be kicking it on the x86 architecture.

It is very surprising to see Microsoft taking this route and supporting other platforms, but as things are right now, the company had little choice in the matter. Ecosystem, and not hardware, has been the selling point of every major product these past couple of years. If a company like Microsoft wants to grow its ecosystem substantially and keep its fanbase locked, Microsoft services cannot be exclusive to just Windows alone

If users like what they see with Office for Android and iOS, there is a chance for them to consider potentially purchasing a Microsoft hardware product for a better experience overall.

Not too long ago, Google acquired a Microsoft Office competitor, Quick Office. It is clear Google is taking word editing very seriously and this move could be the main reason behind Microsoft's push to quickly get Office on Android and iOS.