Microsoft has introduced an ASP-style Office XP application for users wanting to try the new office suite online before purchasing.
Office ASP creates a remote protocol connection to the application server, loading a thin-client desktop in the user`s browser. Microsoft hopes that the experience of using the suite of applications will allay pre-purchase fears.
"In our experience, customers are often hesitant to install trial software onto their own machines, but at the same time they are reluctant to upgrade their current software without seeing the real benefits of the later edition," says Tracy McKinon, product marketing manager at Microsoft South Africa. "The Office XP ASP solution remedies this problem by offering customers the opportunity to learn about and become comfortable with the product`s new functionality without altering the applications on their own computers."
Microsoft partners, Korbi.Net, Dell and UUNet, were called in to facilitate the delivery of the service.
The trial version can be accessed via the Internet, at http://www.microsoft.com/southafrica/office/asp.htm. To get started, customers are required to create a logon account, and can begin using applications as soon as they have received confirmation of their username and password. The solution will be available until 31 August 2001.
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