Tarsus announces HP computers with preloaded Microsoft Office

Tarsus Technologies has announced an exciting change to the software bundled with HP's portfolio of desktop and notebooks computers available in South Africa. "Where users would usually have expected an operating system (most recently Microsoft Windows Vista) and various HP-branded value-added software packages when they purchased a computer," says Jason McMillan, HP product manager at Tarsus, "from June, most of the models in the stable will come preloaded with a trial licence of Microsoft's Office Suite."

McMillan says the great news for customers is that this trial licence can be easily converted to a full licence for whichever version of Office the user sees appropriate, at a greatly reduced cost.

"By purchasing a Medialess Licence Kit (MLK) either as part of the notebook bundle, or after the 60-day trial period expires, the trial licence can easily and cost-effectively be converted to a full licence for Office Basic, Small Business Edition (SBE) or Professional.

"When the licence number is entered, the software installed as part of the default factory image will automatically be converted to reflect the functionality of the licence that the user is entitled to," he says. "No complex installation and software removal processes need to be undertaken by the user - HP has taken care of it all," he enthuses.

Even though the same procedure can be carried out via Microsoft's corporate Web site, McMillan says HP is urging users to make use of the MLK kits provided.

"Users can upgrade their version of Office to a full version by utilising an application form available online at www.microsoft.com," he explains. "There is also an attractive cost incentive for users utilising the channel and HP's MLK programme, as they too will save money if they use their reseller.

McMillan says the bundling offer has even taken into account the possibility of users changing their minds at a later stage. "As part of the MLK programme provided by HP, they can start out with Office Basic, upgrade to Small Business Edition at a later stage; and then subsequently upgrade to Professional.

"All the way, there will be a cost incentive for them to use HP's facility."

McMillan says both Tarsus and its channel partners are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the MLK programme.

"This new option provides a strong avenue for resellers to provide value-added service to their customers. We are confident that this option, along with other differentiators that HP has recently introduced, will do an awesome job of keeping the HP brand at the forefront of buyers' minds," he concludes.