Microsoft experiments selling software by prepaid cards

Microsoft Romania will introduce a new, flexible sales system for the Office Professional 2007 application suite at the end of the month, dedicated to newly established companies, to service providers with seasonal activities and to companies whose projects in terms of volume vary over time, as well as to individual users. The new Microsoft Office Prepaid system enables the payment of the licence as the suite of applications is used. Users are able to decide every three months whether they require the licence for the coming period (or use the respective computer). If so, they can buy a new card, which allows Office 2007 to be reactivated. If their activity does not imperatively require using the licence, the client can “freeze” the licence and save money. A three-month card for Office 2007 costs 79 RON, VAT included. A licence for Microsoft Office Professional 2007 costs around 1,300 RON. This new sales system is a Microsoft experiment, being currently applied only in Romania and South Africa, through Microsoft’s network of partner hardware producers: K Tech Ultra PRO, Complet Electro Serv (the Altex group), Depozitul de Calculatoare, ETA 2U and Proca Romania (RTC Holding).