The software bundle, which also includes Microsoft's Live OneCare computer security software, will be sold at nearly 700 Circuit City stores for $70 per year. The Microsoft Equipt bundle includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote, plus OneCare and a handful of existing free Windows Live applications.
Under the new subscription model, upgrading to a new version is included in the annual cost.
Gartner analyst Michael Silver. "I think this is Microsoft's foray at getting people used to paying an annual fee," Silver said.
Microsoft Equipt is $69.99 (U.S.) estimated retail price = for three licenses + support for twelve months of usage
While rivals such as Google Inc. have built Web-based word processors and other programs that compete with Microsoft Office, Microsoft has kept its software sequestered on hard drives, with the exception of its bare-bones document-sharing Web site, Office Live Workspace.
The move may also set the stage for Microsoft to offer its consumer-oriented programs as "services" over the Web, by acclimating people now to the new pricing model such a shift could require.
Microsoft to sell Office, OneCare for $70 a year
Jul 2, 2008
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080702/ap_on_hi_te/microsoft_office_subscription;_ylt=Aglfs.0Rrm.XlMNYRXVQuI5Y.3QAMicrosoft Launches Consumer Subscription Offering That Combines Microsoft Office and Windows Live OneCare
July 2, 2008
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2008/jul08/07-02EquiptPR.mspx?rss_fdn=Press%20ReleasesFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
https://home.microsoftequipt.com/site/html/default.aspx#Sure it cuts down on piracy for activation purposes you'll be required to pay your subscription fee and I have a hard time thinking a anonymous money order sent to Redmond, WA is gonna cut it. It's gonna be debit and credit cards over the Internet for payment...
It just costs too much to go with USB keys for authentication to combat privacy and the software would still require activation via Internet...
I think we'll see Microsoft Office 2003 and Office 2007 living for a long time for consumers. Business customers are a different story.
This whole new pricing scheme also ties in if you think about it with consumer smartphones. If someone has Windows Mobile it has MS Word & Excel mobile versions. Let's see if this subscription plan covers licenses for your home PC, smartphone, and your kid's PC computer in the next few years...