Microsoft this week plans to deliver the first test release of a new version of its Office software intended to rejuvenate sales and stave off competitors.
The new version of Microsoft's cash cow--code-named Office 11--comes as sales of the desktop software have begun to plateau, said analysts. While Office still controls more than 90 percent of the desktop office market, customers say they see fewer new features that would compel them to upgrade to the latest versions. Although a new licensing plan will help keep customers in the Microsoft fold, any slump in sales could make a big impact on the software maker's balance sheet. Office contributes nearly one-third of Microsoft's overall revenue.
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