 On Wednesday, the Associated Press reported that popular software manufacturer, Microsoft, is scheduling to re-release a subscription-based program of its Office suite sometime in mid-July of this year. The AP contends that this is Microsoft’s attempt to “reach thrifty PC buyers who would otherwise pass on productivity software.” The entire package, which includes Live OneCare, Microsoft’s computer security software, is priced around $200. But the subscription fee will start at a reported $70 per year. In a non-exclusive agreement, Circuit City retail stores will be selling the subscription-based suite around the country. Group product manager for Microsoft Office, Bryson Gordon, has commented that some customers don’t “ordinarily buy Office at the same time they purchase a new computer,” but rather, install the bundle with previously purchased Microsoft Office disks or copy the program from a friend. The Microsoft “Equipt” bundle is said to include the traditional programs of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote, in addition to the OneCare security software. It is able to be installed on three different computers, and like the existing Microsoft software package, will include “small updates [which] will be made automatically... [and] consumers will have some control over the timing of major upgrades to new versions.” |
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