Internet search engine Google has declared war on Microsoft, announcing plans to launch free spreadsheet and word-processing software online. Google has joined forces with US-based technology giant Sun Microsystems to allow web users to access Sun's OpenOffice from any personal computer.

Sun will offer Google's search toolbar with downloads of its free Java software, which now powers more than 2.5 billion gadgets around the globe, including 700 million PCs. Sun Microsystems Australia spokesman Paul O'Connor said the deal was "huge".

Editor's Note: This will prove to be a good battle. Sun on the other hand sounds like they will start to put more effort into creating a service staff instead of improving the software. We'll have to wait and see how it unfolds.