Microsoft subscription plans still on ice

THIS TIME LAST YEAR the Great Vole of Software was toying with the idea of introducing a subscription for Office XP, with sales people being used as guinea pigs for the cunning Microsoft plan.

As part of the usual sales spiffs that computer firms indulge in, retail staff were given copies of Office XP with subscription checks built in.

Those subscriptions were due to expire at the end of this month, and our mole tells us that a little wizard duly popped up this month to remind him that it would cost $69.95 for another year, or buy the full version and bung in a new product key.

But Microsoft hasn't held many retail training events in the USA this spring, so associates were told that emails were being sent out to give them a free renewal.

So it's evident that MS' subscription plan is still a goer - depending on how it views the future market.

And here's a FAQ that Microsoft has already prepared for its associates.

Office XP Professional Renewal FAQ

Perpetual license
A perpetual license is a license that will not expire. You will have use of the product for as long as you want. You will not have to renew your subscription again.

Product Key
A Product key is the 25 digit string that the user enters when installing the software. It is used to create the Product Identification Number (PID). The Product Key is located on the back of the jewel case, on an orange sticker.Note: If you have already installed your subscription copy of Office XP Professional, you have a PID. For those who have not yet installed the subscription copy of Office XP Professional, please do so in order to transition it to a perpetual license.

Product Identification Number (PID)
The PID is the number that is built during installation. After the installation is complete, the PID appears in the user interface and the product registry. The PID is a unique number that identifies or fingerprints an end-user license to that copy of the software.

Product Activation
Microsoft Product Activation is an anti-piracy technology designed to verify that software products have been legitimately licensed. It is quick, simple, unobtrusive, and protects customer privacy.

Renewal Process
What do I have to do to get my Office XP Professional subscription renewed? You will need to complete the list of requirements below: You must have attended a teamMicrosoft Live! Office XP event held between April 8 - May 16, 2001.

You must have installed the Office XP Professional subscription CD that was handed out at the events. If you haven't installed the Office XP Professional subscription yet, you must have the CD to receive a perpetual license.

If you haven't already registered with team Microsoft Online Training, please do so at www.microsoft.com/retail/training. You will need to register in order to pass the teamMicrosoft online training quiz located at www.microsoft.com/retail/training/officerenew.asp. Passing this quiz is required to renew your Office XP Professional subscription.

What if I am not registered for teamMicrosoft Online Training?
The registration process is simple. Just go to www.microsoft.com/retail/training/ and click on the "Register" button. Fill out the required information and you will be ready to participate in teamMicrosoft Online Training. You cannot access the Office XP Professional Renewal Program site from the Online Training site; you will need to go to www.microsoft.com/retail/training/officerenew.asp.

Will a copy of Office XP Professional be sent to me?
You will not receive packaged product. You will receive a new Product Key to activate your product via the Internet. This is an Internet offer only and created to expedite the renewal process.

Can I participate in the renewal process before my Office XP Professional subscription expires?
Yes, you can.How do I participate in the renewal process if my Office XP Professional subscription has not expired? You will need to launch the Activation Wizard. Launch it by selecting: START/ALL PROGRAMS/MICROSOFT OFFICE TOOLS/ACTIVATE PRODUCT.... µ