Productivity is becoming an increasingly important part of Microsoft’s applications, particularly as more companies move to hybrid and remote workforces. When Microsoft announced a price increase in August for certain subscriptions, it highlighted several products it’s introduced since releasing the Office 365 bundle in 2011. Acquisitions of small companies such as GroupMe and Yammer have contributed to the Office expansion. Microsoft said Thursday it acquired Ally.io, a start-up that provides software to help organizations keep track of their progress on key goals. Is Microsoft trying to monopolize the market and stay ahead ?