License and Upgrade Costs Through Retail, OEM, and Volume Channels

The option to upgrade OEM software through volume licensing agreements gives customers a wider variety of price points and upgrade paths for Office 2003. This chart shows a set of options for purchasing an initial license for Office 2003, followed by an upgrade to the next version after three years.

Customers concerned about prices for licenses and upgrades will find inexpensive options available in retail and OEM channels. Although retail software is ineligible for upgrades through volume channels, the lower cost and predictability of upgrade costs through the retail channel make it attractive to some customers.

OEM customers have the option of upgrading either through retail or volume channels. In some cases, they may be able to purchase initial licenses at lower cost through OEM channels, then purchase volume licensing upgrades to obtain better financing terms or resources for technical assistance and home use.

All prices are North American prices in U.S. dollars.

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