A bundle of the Office 2007 System and Windows Live OneCare from Microsoft will come with a price tag of just $69.99. The only catch is that, unlike the traditional licensing models associated with Office 2007, the latest initiative from Microsoft involves a new subscription-based model for the entire package. Dubbed Microsoft Equipt, the subscription offering is valid for just one year, but customers will have the option of renewals ahead of its expiration.

"With Microsoft Equipt we're improving our customers' computing experience by giving them essential software in a package that offers an easy install and setup experience, as well as a convenient and affordable way to stay updated with the latest versions of Office and Windows Live OneCare," said Bryson Gordon, group product manager, Microsoft Office.

According to the software giant, Equipt will bring not only a bundle of Office Home and Student 2007 and the latest version of Windows Live OneCare, but also solutions under the Windows Live brand umbrella such as Windows Live Mail, Windows Live Messenger and Windows Live Photo Gallery. To top it all off, Office Live Workspace, an online service positioned adjacently to Office 2007 will also be offered to clients.

However, except for Office 2007 and OneCare, all the services and tools included in the package can be obtained for free at any time, and in this context do not represent an advantage to consumers, in the same manner as they are simply shoved down users' throats with the package.

Microsoft promised that the subscription would permit users to access the latest version of Windows Live OneCare available. The same is not valid for Office 2007 at this point in time, and the company has failed to inform whether users with Equipt subscriptions would be able to make the jump from Office 2007 to Office 14 when it comes out. U.S. customers will be able to buy Microsoft Equipt starting mid-July from no less than 700 Circuit City stores.

"We are very pleased to be the first partner to offer Microsoft Equipt through nearly 700 Circuit City retail outlets throughout the U.S.," added Elliot Becker, vice president, general merchandise manager technology, Circuit City. "Microsoft Equipt delivers on an unmet customer need for an easy way to get the essential productivity and security software in an all-in-one package. And with the added benefit of getting the latest software as part of the Microsoft Equipt subscription, we expect this service to be a runaway hit."