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If youve used a computer, its almost certain you have usedMicrosoft Word.
The aptly namedword processoris one of the most influential computer programs in history.
From schools to businesses, its become a daily part of life for millions of users around the world.
Word rose to global ubiquity because it offered something unique.
But it was a game changer at the time.
Last week, on October 25th 2024, Microsoft Word turned 41.
Its been a long time since it changed the game by delivering WYSIWYG.
So what does the future hold for the worlds most popular processor?
Processing a milestone
Change is on the horizon for Word.
But its not because we dont need word processing software anymore.
Digital documents exist at the foundation of daily work for about 1.2 billion people.
The majority need some form of business document to turn the work they do into deliverable value.
Humans still need processors like Word.
The practitioners (us) are being disrupted, rather than the processors.
And this is a good thing.
Knowledge is power
Big businesses are the product of many small processes.
But small processes can take a big toll on people.
And this is why there is such a buzz around AI and Generative AI (GenAI) for businesses.
Knowledge workers solve unique problems every day.
AI is only effective when it is supplied with large amounts of accurate information and context.
However - there are areas in which AI and automation excels.
New technology platforms are filling the gap between AI and human knowledge work by automating document generation.
The impact of this is twofold.
Secondly, businesses themselves reduce the potential risk due to human error - saving money and protecting reputation.
Banks, for example, are built on documents.
Every financial institution has huge libraries of records, sales sheets, applications, and more.
Theres a lot of information - and no margin for error.
Were entering the second wave of AI innovation.
(Which may not be as exciting or flashy as the first).
To construct a building, an engineer would first have to lay the foundation with documents.
But this is no longer necessary.
Microsoft Word turns 41, and it isnt at risk of becoming defunct.
But its future looks entirely different to its past.
Document work is becoming automated.
And this means us, the users, are being set free.
Or maybe its Word that is being set free from us.
Documents are here to stay.
But document work is not.
We list the best Microsoft Office alternatives.
The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc.
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