14 DAY TRIAL // With the next iteration of Office for Mac available at retail in October 2010, Microsoft is going on the same path it went with product such as Windows 7 and Office 2010 in order to ensure that customers keep buying the existing version of the product. Essentially, the Redmond company is prepared to offer free upgrades to Office for Mac 2011 to all new users that acquire Office for Mac 2008.
The Redmond company announced the debut of Microsoft Office for Mac Technology Guarantee Program as it unveiled plans to release Office for Mac 2011 in October. Of course, the free upgrades will only be offered after the next generation of Office for Mac will become available.
“Today, we are announcing a program to allow qualifying customers to upgrade to Office 2011 at no additional cost when they purchase Office 2008. Qualifying purchase details: Office 2008 for Mac must be purchased between Aug. 1, 2010, and Nov. 30, 2010, at Microsoft or authorized reseller,” revealed a member of the Macintosh Business Unit (MacBU) at Microsoft.
The software giant has done similar Technology Guarantee Programs for Windows and Office. For the most part the free upgrades are indeed free, but in certain situations, customers will need to pay for the cost of the packaging and shipping themselves.
The Technology Guarantee program for Office for Mac 2011 is already live, and Microsoft is informing customers that they will need to keep the dated sales receipt for Office 2008 for Mac, as well as have a valid product key in order to qualify for the upgrade.
“These are the Office 2008 for Mac products that qualify for the Technology Guarantee: Office 2008 for Mac Home and Student Edition; Office 2008 for Mac Business Edition; Office 2008 for Mac Business Edition Version Upgrade; Office 2008 for Mac Business Edition Special Student Offer,” the Redmond company stated.
“You must request your Microsoft Office for Mac 2011 product and provide your Office 2008 for Mac product key and dated sales receipt by December 31, 2010. You will receive one upgrade Office for Mac 2011 product for each qualifying purchase. Please allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery after general availability. Shipping and handling fees apply. Office for Mac 2011 online downloads may be available in your country. In those countries where online downloads are available, Office for Mac 2011 will be accessible at general availability,” Microsoft added.
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