Ad-Supported Office?
Goodbye Microsoft Works: Office Starter 2010 to replace Microsoft Works.
Along with Office 2010, which is scheduled for release during the first half of next year, Microsoft will offer a lightweight version of the ubiquitous productivity software.
Replacing Microsoft Works, Office Starter 2010 will come pre-loaded on some PCs and will give users the basic functionality of creating, viewing and editing documents. The versions, Word Starter 2010 and Excel Starter 2010, will be supported by advertising.
Office Starter 2010 will only be available on new PCs, Microsoft said in an announcement. And it will allow users to upgrade to the full version of Office 2010.
I (sort of) predicted this about six years ago. See Excel Pay-Per-Use. But I wasn't serious.
Spreadsheet Page Blog
Welcome to the Spreadsheet Page Blog. This is where you find the latest news on my books, add-ins, and other Excel-related topics. Comments are welcome.