Microsoft Corporation on yesterday has launched its Prepaid Edition of “Microsoft Office Professional 2007” in India. This is the first time in India that an office productivity suite will be available as a pre-paid version.

The prepaid edition would be available at a 6-month subscription of Rs 1,499. At the end of six month, customers will be able to renew their subscription through a 3-month Prepaid Renewal Card that costs of Rs 1,299.

If the user fails to renew package, the package goes into lower functionality mode, which allows only users to access, view and print files. Users cannot create or save new files or modify existing ones in this mode. Customers can also choose to convert their prepaid subscription to a perpetual license at any stage.

Sanjay Manchanda, Director, Microsoft Business Division of Microsoft India said, "Having tested this approach in South Africa and Romania to cater to the need of users, we are now introducing this in India through channel partners.”

“We are seeing strong demand from small and medium businesses in India. Office productivity solutions like the 2007 Microsoft Office helps them be more responsive and efficient in an increasingly competitive marketplace," he added.

The customers can also purchase their PCs with a free trial of 2007 Microsoft Office pre-installed via the 'Office Ready' PC program.