Microsoft releases Office 2010 productivity suite to businesses

Microsoft Corp, the Redmond based software giant has introduced its Office 2010 suite for businesses, however, retail buyers have to wait until 15 June.

At present, the company has released two editions of Office 2010, called as Standard and Professional Plus, which would be available only to organisations with a volume licensing agreement.

It is reported that these editions are already available to the firms with a Software Assurance (SA) agreement since 27 April. Firms without SA can now buy through Microsoft resellers.

Unlike Microsoft Office 2007, the new suite is available only in three editions viz. Office Home and Student, Office Home and Business and Office Professional.

According to Microsoft, Office Home and Student will be available for £109.99 strictly for non-commercial use, while Office Home and Business, costs £239.99, feasible for small businesses. For businesses, the company has released Office Professional edition, which includes all the apps and technical support for £429.99.

Analysts predict that the new suite will help Microsoft to compete with Google in the online apps market.