With Albany, Is Microsoft Overhauling How It Sells Software?
Microsoft has launched a new test program code-named “Albany” that will provide a subscription based model for Office 2007, instead of the more traditional one-time license fee.
Subscribers would also get Windows Live OneCare, a Web-based security software, and online applications including Windows Live Mail and Office Live Workspace as part of the bundle.
This seems to be the Microsoft reaction to Google Docs. Given that Google is free, and Micrososft is not, I wonder how many takers it would get.
Microsoft is quick to point out however that Albany currently represents merely another purchase option, and that Microsoft has no immediate plans to do away with perpetual consumer Office licenses.
As “Albany” Group Product Manager Bryson Gordon, explains:
“Albany” is the codename for a new all-in-one subscription service of essential software and services consumers told us were most important to them. We’ve pulled together the productivity tools people need to organize their lives, security to help keep their personal information safe and online services that make it easy for them to keep in touch with friends and family, and folded them all into a single service that also ensures the user’s PC is running the latest security and productivity software.
With just a few clicks, “Albany” subscribers will be able install the whole package, which includes Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007, giving them the latest versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote for their personal and school projects; Windows Live OneCare to help keep viruses at bay and their computer fast and healthy; and Windows Live Mail, Messenger and Photo Gallery so they can connect and share with others. Albany also installs the Microsoft Office Live Workspace connector on the Microsoft Office toolbar, so users can save documents to their own dedicated online workspace and invite friends and classmates to collaborate and share.
Additionally, with “Albany” consumers get the latest versions of Microsoft Office Home and Student and Windows Live OneCare as they’re released. Combined with ongoing security updates, consumers can have the peace of mind that they have protection from the most recent security threats and that their PC is running at its peak.
Microsoft did not disclose how it plans to set the pricing for “Albany” or when it would be widely available. Read the complete release here.
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