Microsoft reduces price of Office software

Microsoft Corp. today announced changes to the pricing of several products in the Microsoft Office XP family, the world's leading business productivity programs.

These changes will give consumers and small business customers improved purchasing options that help address their business and economic needs. This reduced pricing for full package product (FPP)comes at the same time Microsoft is enhancing the Software Assurance offering for businesses that purchase Microsoft Office through Volume Licensing.

Microsoft is reducing the estimated retail price of FPP Microsoft Office XP Standard and of Microsoft Office XP Professional by approximately 15 percent. In addition, Microsoft is reducing the estimated retail price of the FPP stand-alone applications Word 2002, Excel 2002, PowerPoint® 2002 and Access 2002 by approximately 30 percent. This means that retail customers will save approximately $80 to $110 (U.S.) on the estimated retail prices, depending on the product purchased (reseller pricing will vary).*

Microsoft Office XP retail price reductions will take effect May 28 in the United States and Canada, and will be rolled out globally as individual subsidiaries implement their normal currency, pricing and other local retail adjustments. Customers outside the United States or Canada should contact their local Microsoft subsidiary for further information.

“Microsoft is reducing the retail pricing of Office XP as its commitment to make it easier for consumers and small businesses to obtain the world’s leading productivity suite,” said Joe Eschbach, corporate vice president of the Information Worker Product Management Group at Microsoft.