Posted on: Tuesday, August 26, 2003

Microsoft nears launch of new Office software

Associated Press

SEATTLE — Microsoft Corp. is planning an October launch of a new version of its Office business software, but has sent the code to manufacturers for installation on new computers and compact discs.

The software, which includes updated versions of its Excel spreadsheet, Outlook e-mail and Word word-processing applications, also includes new programs OneNote for note-taking and InfoPath for creating and using forms.

The biggest changes, however, require companies to buy new server software, which accommodates features in the Office programs that allow users to instant-message others without switching applications; that allow teams to work together on a document or project; and that set controls on who may view, forward and print files.

Retail prices for Microsoft Office System 2003 are expected to range from $399 to $499 for complete software packages.

The product faces some competition from OpenOffice software, which doesn't cost anything and can be downloaded, shared and modified freely.