Microsoft said today it would begin selling its Office suite of programs and computer security software to American home owners on a subscription basis beginning July 15th. (http://www.digitalhome.ca/content/view/2642/206/)

Interesting. At $70 a year for three computers, its pretty reasonable. You get Word, Excel, Powerpoint, OneNote and OneCare.

Only in U.S. in July but I assume it will come to Canada soon after.

Doesn't seem like a good deal to me - unless you want OneCare. U.S residents can order Office Home Edition from Newegg for $110 with free shipping for a permanent licence on 3 PCs.

I think for average home owners who want an all-in-one solution with up-to-date office and security software, the price seems reasonable. Most commercial anti-virus solutions are $50 or so a year so its well within the ballpark.

(I know, I know, you can get free office suites and free anti-virus software but I'm talking about the average consumer)

Up to date is overrated. I'm still using Corel WordPerfect8 (1997) because it still works and I'm familiar with it.

My worries is after one year and for what ever reason you don't renew then you have files you may not even be able to open?

To me software is like a hammer or any other tool once you buy it is there when you need it.

Just my veiw as I see it once the software becomes a the item on a fee basis then its like you in your car pulling up to a gas station only to find the place is closed or you are for what ever reason banned from filling up.
Slippery slope for me. This is in my view is a sollution because of the inablility of a system (company)to stop theift or loaning issues.

As long as you have paid for the application, you'll be able to open your files! If you don't want to subscribe, then just buy the desktop application.

About 8 years ago I remember using StarOffice when it was released for free. Just recently I installed OpenOffice (a derivative of StarOffice) and I was amazed... I would highly recommend it to anyone. MS Office for $70/yr or OpenOffice for $0/yr does not take a long time to deliberate.