Microsoft to Offer Free Version of Works

Microsoft said Wednesday that it will test out a version of its Microsoft Works productivity suite with computer manufacturers that would be free and ad-supported.

Works' place in Microsoft's portfolio has been in question as the company focuses more on its Office suite. Additionally, the company is facing increasing pressure from competitors such as Google, who are offering similar Web-based products at no cost.

“Microsoft is initiating a pilot program featuring an ad-funded version of Microsoft Works – Microsoft Works SE 9," the company said in a statement. However, Microsoft has declined to elaborate much further beyond that other than saying that it would still offer the for-pay version.

The Works suite will remain as a desktop application, but ads will be served from within the program. The company has already dabbled in in-application advertising: its Windows Live Desktop Mail client includes banners within the client.

Like Desktop Mail, Works' ads would also be served through its adCenter platform.

Previous versions of Works retailed for $39.95 USD, and in lieu of installing the considerably more expensive Office, many low-budget computer manufacturers opted for Works to keep costs down. Its use has decreased considerably since the early 90s, when Office overtook it as the flagship productivity software out of Microsoft.