On Thursday Microsoft announced some new ways for users to try and then buy Microsoft Office 2010.

Microsoft are working with major PC manufacturers and their retail partners on plans to pre load new PCs with Office 2010. These new PCs will be bought with a product key card that will enable customers to “unlock” their suite of Office programs. The product key card is a single license card (with no DVD media) that will be sold at major electronic retail outlets.

This method of delivery enables a simpler and faster path for consumers to begin using any one of three full versions of Microsoft Office:

• Office Home & Student 2010
• Office Home & Business 2010
• Office Professional 2010

Microsoft Office Starter 2010

A new addition to the Office 2010 range is the Microsoft Office Starter 2010 suite. Office Starter 2010 is a cut down version of Office 2010 with reduced functionality. This product will only be available pre loaded on new PCs, and will replace the free product Microsoft Works. Unlike Microsoft Works, however, Office Starter 2010 is advertising-supported.

Office Starter includes:

• Office Word Starter 2010
• Office Excel Starter 2010

Each program features only basic functionality and offers the user a taste of the Office 2010 experience. The facility to create, view and edit documents is there within an environment consistent with the new Office 2010 experience. There is, of course, a simple path to upgrade to a fully-featured version of Office 2010 directly from within the product.

Office 2010 Click To Run

There will be a whole new download experience for consumers who want to try and then buy Office 2010. Click To Run will reduce the time and effort required to download the new version of Office, and will automatically install updates and patches when there is an internet connection available. Click To Run’s virtualisation technology will enable users to run Office 2010 side by side with prior versions of Office on the same machine.

It is envisaged that the beta for Office Starter 2010 will be available later this year.

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