Rumor of New, Free, Ad-Supported Microsoft Office

A secret tipster pointed us to a Credit Suisse report that posits that Microsoft (MSFT) is working hard on an ad-supported version of Microsoft Office. There will be two versions - one web-based and one for a desktop install - and both will have limited functionality compared to the full-bore suite.

The plan is to create a version that is immune to piracy. Nigeria, for example, has a 92% piracy rate while the US is at 20%. Creating a free version would allow schools and average folk to enjoy an Microsoft Works-like environment while ensuring a steady stream of real revenue from larger IT shops.

Comments

[Tom Armistead:]

If Microsoft tries this, they are going to be at a competitive disadvantage to OpenOffice.org, which features a fully functional spreadsheet and word-processor and is free, without the intrusion of unwanted advertising.

Microsoft irritated me no end when I reinstalled Excel on a new computer after a hard disk crash. It appeared that they felt I should buy the software over again. So I changed over to OpenOffice and never looked back.

Meanwile Vista is a cramp, slow to boot, slow to shut down, and weak in responding to my need for wireless networking. So I would not overpay for MSFT stock, although I have owned it on and off.

Jun 05 04:47 PM