Microsoft is the world's top "office" software maker, and it's Office product is the bread and butter for Microsoft for some time. With free, online competitors now directly competing for business in the office products market, Microsoft is trying to hit back with an effective force.
Microsoft is offering a “total steal” promotion that will tempt college students to buy its Office Ultimate 2007 suite for $59.95, 91 percent off estimated retail price.
At the same time, Microsoft is expanding its PR/branding campaign to confront Apple in terms of luxury/premium branding--Microsoft wants to shed the cheap image that it has been dealt when compared to Apple products.