LAS VEGAS, Nov. 13, 2000 — Today at COMDEX/Fall 2000, Microsoft Corp. announced a new subscription offering for
“Office 10,” the code name for the next version of Microsoft® Office, which will provide customers with an exciting new opportunity to subscribe to the world’s leading desktop productivity suite for an annual fee. This new model will enable home and small-business customers to acquire the latest version of Office at a lower initial cost while receiving product upgrades released during their subscription at no additional expense. Customers will be able to obtain their subscription via a new packaged product at retail stores in select worldwide regions when
“Office 10”
becomes available toward the end of the first half of 2001. The subscription can be renewed annually via telephone or over the Internet, or by acquiring a new subscription product at retail stores.
“With the release of ‘Office 10,’ we’re taking a significant step toward our vision of an Office.NET subscription service,”
said Steven Sinofsky, senior vice president of Office at Microsoft.
“Software subscription for ‘Office 10’ offers an exciting, innovative way for home users and small-business owners to experience the latest Office software, and we’re excited to lead the industry in offering unprecedented choices and value to our customers.”
Subscription Is Easy to Use and Renew
The subscription software will be the same as the nonsubscription software available at retail, except it must be renewed annually. Customers will acquire one subscription product per computer and use the CD to install
“Office 10”
on their computer. Ninety days before their subscription ends, Office will begin notifying customers of the time remaining on their subscription. Customers will be able to easily renew their subscription by getting a packaged subscription product from a retailer or by sending their credit card information over the Internet or via a toll-free telephone call. Customers will also have the option to acquire an Office upgrade product at their local retailer.
If customers do not renew or install an upgrade product, they can still open, view and print their existing documents.
Subscription Gives Office Customers Additional Choice
Microsoft is continuing to meet evolving customer needs by offering new ways for Office customers to license and use
“Office 10.”
With the introduction of the subscription offering, customers will be able to subscribe to
“Office 10”
on an annual basis, get the non-subscription Office software at retail or via volume licensing, or use Office as a hosted service through application service providers. Pricing and other packaging information will be made available closer to product availability.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software — any time, any place and on any device.
Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
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