Microsoft calls time on Office 2003 OEMs

Microsoft has announced that it will no longer be making OEM versions of Office 2003 available for purchase from the software company after June 30th. The newer Office 2007 suite recently superseded the four-year-old program-suite and Microsoft is keen to see users migrate to the new version.

Microsoft however is still offering users who wish to purchase the older version of the software the ability to downgrade to 2003 when purchasing 2007 as Microsoft US’ Senior Manager for Small Business Community Engagement, Eric Ligman explained: “Remember that for your clients wishing to run Office 2003 still today, by taking advantage of the downgrade rights included in the Volume Licensing versions of Microsoft Office 2007, they can utilize Office 2003 today and then move to Office 2007 when they are ready without having to re-buy their Office license like they would with OEM. Remember that OEM Microsoft Office does not have downgrade rights.”