Microsoft has updated its pricing scheme for existing Office XP packages and the upcoming Office 2003 range. In addition, a 'technology upgrade' will soon be available giving new Office XP customers a free Office 2003 upgrade.
As of September 1 Office XP Standard will drop from $1,072 to $699 and Office XP Professional will drop from $1,288 to $899. Individual Office apps including Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Access will also take hit, dropping from $694 to $427 for each standalone purchase.
The soon-to-be-released Office 2003 suite has the same reduced prices as the equivalent Office XP packages: Office 2003 Standard costs $699; Office 2003 Professional costs $899. Additionally, those who purchase Office XP between September 1 and November 30 will be entitled to a free upgrade (not including shipping and handling).
According to Microsoft Australia's Office Product Manager Tony Wilkinson, Office XP will be sold alongside Office 2003 indefinitely. Office 2003 only supports Windows 2000/XP operating systems making Office XP the last version to support Windows 9X/ME platforms.