More information on Microsoft’s ‘request’ to update Office
Many questions have recently from our readers about Microsoft’s demand for all new installations of Office 2003 and Office XP to use the latest releases.
In short, Microsoft lost a patent case and has to remove a feature from Office XP and 2003. Existing installations are OK but new installations need to use the most recent releases and not older versions.
Sadly, the volume of questions hasn’t been matched with any response from Microsoft. The company chooses only to re-send their previous short public statement. A longer ‘Q & A’ has been sent to some customers but is not publicly available – until now. The next chapter reproduces Microsoft’s statement to customers which goes some way to explaining what is happening.
The ‘Q & A’ goes some way to resolving the many questions from customers – we’ve given Microsoft some more time in the hope that they’ll choose disclosure over silence.
Single use or small business customers don’t need to worry, as far as we can tell. But this requirement is a big deal for larger organizations who must go to the expense and trouble of complying immediately.
Microsoft has not explained the ‘request’ to update all versions of Office (not just new deployments) included with their notice to license holders. It’s easy for Microsoft to make this request since they don’t have to pay for the consequences of compliance. Since the word ‘request’ is used, it does not seem to be compulsory. Why the ‘request’ was included at all is the subject of much conjecture and guesswork (which always fills the gap when Microsoft stays silent).
One interesting idea from a Microsoft staffer is that the request is a tactic in the negotiations with the patent holder. With that ‘request’ Microsoft can argue they are attempting or have reduced the use of the disputed feature – which could lead to a lesser payment by Microsoft.
Whatever the reason, while the ‘request’ to deploy the latest releases of Office 2003 or Office XP remains voluntary we suggest you make your own choice, ignoring Microsoft’s unknown motives for their request. Keep in mind that the latest versions of Office will remove what can be a key feature; communicating between Excel and Access.
Microsoft is also silent on the worrying question of Product Activation (the process of confirming your right to use Office after installation). While we don’t think it is likely, it is possible that Microsoft could enforce compliance by refusing product activation clearance if you’re not using the most recent versions of Office (without the disputed feature).
And finally we enjoyed the smug and self-satisfied messages from readers, yet again happy with their decision to stay with Office 2000!
If you have any questions or information about this situation, please email us. Since Microsoft is lacking in public statements, we especially appreciate getting copies of messages from Microsoft or license retailers that we can share with others.