Microsoft’s new Office 2013 offers a rethink of its productivity software. Over the weekend, Microsoft Office’s official Twitter page sent out a photo of what Microsoft is going to be setting up January 29th in Bryant Park NYC. Microsoft also recently re-designed Office for Windows 8, changing parts of the design, features and back end to simplify for touchscreen users, social networking and cloud connectivity.
Microsoft is also changing the way the way it offers the new 2013 Office software. The new software is available for a subscription for to download and install on up to 5 network machines, instead of on an individual machine basis. A subscription will also allow the multiple users to connect to cloud content, 20 GB of SkyDrive storage, 60 minutes of Skype service and updates to new versions of apps.
There is pricing for two versions. The first is $99.95 per year per consumer and $149.99 per year for business. Office will still be able to be downloaded for a one-time download for those that may want this this way for $219.99 for the home and business edition and $399.99 for the professional version.
Microsoft had released the updated version to manufacturing on October 11, 2012. The company then made the final bits available to MSDN and TechNet subscribers before the close of 2012. Also, Microsoft had made $10.00 versions of the final Office 2013 bits available to licensees with Software Assurance as part of its Home Use program.
Here are 5 reasons that this could be a success:
1) Subscription Pricing.
2) Mobile Phone touch based commands.
3) Improved communication with the Office Small Business premium level.
4) Improved social sharing.
5) Easier web presence.
Tomorrow’s launch is ready to take on more of a consumer focus.