I see today that ND EduTech has Office365 for K-12 working. Higher Ed in ND offers the same system. The release was described as offering students 21st Century Learning tools.
Just for the record, I regard Microsoft as lagging behind Google in developing cloud services (and Apple in developing hardware). Both Apple and Microsoft have been pushed toward cloud applications by the success of Google. Having used all of these systems, I would rank them Google, Microsoft, and then Apple.
It is interesting that Microsoft seems have to changed the company approach to pay attention to K-12. Apple used to have this focus with the logic that this emphasis might create future adult users. Apple seemed to back away from this focus as its hardware products became the industry leader is many categories. Microsoft may now be taking a similar approach. Note that the free/low cost to students is a way to get individuals invested in the platform. The “adult” version requires a purchase. Of course, Google apps are ad supported for adults. Will most adults purchase Microsoft products for themselves?
I find Google docs easier to use for peer collaborative writing and peer editing. Any system, Apple, Google, Microsoft has a way to collaborate, but I find the Google approach easier to use. I also see the total “suite” offered by Google better suited to education. To my knowledge, there are no Microsoft or Apple equivalents to Sites, YouTube, Hangouts, Forms or Blogger. I see these products important to developing the multimedia authoring and collaboration skills of students. Contrary to the notion of 21st Century skills, learning, etc., the Microsoft offerings are both dated and limited in scope. I give Microsoft an advantage for OneNote.
Here are some additional links on this topic.
Information Week (this is a good overview not specific to ed)
Education users of both systems discuss
