“The Ultimate Steal”

Trying to win the battle against illegal software downloads, Microsoft is incentivizing students to take the legal route by offering major discounts on one of its newest Office 2007 software packages in addition to introducing a commission model.

According to the official website the total student discount brings the cost for Office Ultimate 2007 to $59 (download only – installation disk is extra), a supposable 91% discount offer from the ERP of $679. Software programs included are the most recent editions of Powerpoint, Excel, Outlook, Groove, Onenote, Infopath, Access, Word, and Publisher.

In order to be eligible for both the rate and the chance to earn commissions, students must use their .edu email account during registration and prove they are enrolled in “at least a .5 course load” (I’m guessing that still makes those that dropped all of their classes entitled to the discount).

While the site doesn’t publicly state what percentage commission students will be entitled to, if they opt into the Microsoft Student Affiliate Program, it does say that they will be providing customizable banners/links for posting on website like facebooks/myspace and personal websites.