PhillC's Journal: How Microsoft Fights for Hearts & Minds

Just received the following email into my corporate Inbox..... (My real company name replaced with "My Company Name")

Microsoft Office at Home

"My Company Name" is pleased to announce a new scheme for employees arranged by the IT Department.

"My Company Name" has an agreement for software licensing with Microsoft. Because of that agreement any "My Company Name" employee is eligible to participate in the Microsoft Home Use Program (HUP). This program enables you to get a licensed copy of Microsoft Office to install and use on your home computer, for the price of the CD, postage and packing (credit card required online).

What is the Home Use Program?

The Microsoft Home Use Program is a benefit of one of Microsoft's volume licensing programs that "My Company Name" has procured. It provides a simple way for staff to work at home with the same Microsoft products they use at work.

This really removes many of the incentives for Average User (within my company) to bother with Open Office, when they can get MS Office for the cost of the CD and packaging - which incidently costs £17.31 (about US$38).