Microsoft to launch Ultimate Office

A new high end retail version of Microsoft office 2007, called Office Ultimate is due to be launched. It will include core applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook and will offer Access, Publisher, InfoPath, Groove, OneNote. Integrated functions such as content management, electronic forms and rights management will also be offered. Microsoft said, “Based on customer feedback received, we understand that some people working at home need to have access to the full line-up of 2007 Microsoft Office applications so they can create, find, manage and share information across boundaries using the toolset they’re familiar with at the office.” This version will be out later in 2006.

Ultimate Office will cost around $679 in retail channels, but the top-end corporation version will be available only to volume license customers.