American software giant Microsoft Corp. has finally taken a definite step forward regarding the availability of its proprietary Microsoft Works suite, with the Redmond-based company this week unveiling Works SE, an advert-funded version of its popular application.
Microsoft opens Works suite to free use with ad-supported version. Credit: Robert Scoble/Flickr.
While Works SE arrives as a software move that some may deem to be ‘too little too late’ in light of the grounded and cost free flexibility of rival open-source applications such as Sun Microsystems’ Open Office, those users looking to access Microsoft Works for free will be presented with small on-screen ads as they type up a document or edit a spreadsheet.
Integrated adverts initially delivered by the free version will emanate from Microsoft and its core business partners, while ongoing and more expansive ad variety will be later provided by online content updates.
Works SE (Sponsored Edition) is free to hardware manufacturers, although they will not gain any revenue from the application’s advert usage, writes Ina Fried at tech magazine CNET. Its arrival comes on the back of longstanding opinion within Microsoft that an ad-funded Works suite could make more money for the company than simply selling the software to hardware manufacturers.
“This is a trial. This is a pilot” commented Microsoft VP Chris Capossela regarding Works SE and the possible emergence of other similar software products from the Microsoft stable. The Microsoft executive also went on to say that the ad-funded structure of the application is a way for the company to better answer the question of: “Can we build software that will do this?”
While jokingly outlining that test feedback certainly indicates user satisfaction where pricing is concerned, Capossela also noted that the ad-funded delivery thus-far doesn’t seem to be striking a negative chord in terms of being intrusive to the overall experience.
Current availability of Works SE has been limited to a select few undisclosed manufacturers situated in the US, UK, Canada, France and Poland.
CNET notes that, while Microsoft is yet to confirm those manufacturing partners already offering Works SE access, the likes of Packard Bell and Sony are thought to be two of the suppliers.
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