Communication Solutions

Providing customers with powerful productivity and security protection technologies in a single package through Circuit City, Microsoft (News - Alert) Corp. has introduced Microsoft Equipt, an all-in-one security and productivity software subscription service. The service provides award-winning anti-malware protection technology and features simplified PC management.

 

For a one-year renewable subscription, Microsoft Equipt is $69.99 (U.S.) estimated retail price. Microsoft Equipt is ideal for families and individuals with one or several computers as subscription will be good for three home PCs. Microsoft Equipt will be sold in nearly 700 Circuit City stores in the U.S. starting mid-July 2008.

 

Microsoft Equipt was initially code named “Albany” and provides customers with the latest versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote for their personal and school projects. It also provides other tools such as Windows Live OneCare, the all-in-one security and PC management service; Windows Live tools, such as Windows Live Mail, Windows Live Messenger and Windows Live Photo Gallery. It also allows customers to save documents to a dedicated online Workspace and share them with friends and classmates with Office Live Workspace. Microsoft Equipt customers will get the version upgrades as part of their subscriptions anytime a new version of Office or Windows Live OneCare is released.

 

By providing customers with the essential software in a package that offers an easy install and setup experience, the Microsoft Equipt is looking to enhance the customers’ computing experience.

 

“We are very pleased to be the first partner to offer Microsoft Equipt through nearly 700 Circuit City retail outlets throughout the U.S.,” said Elliot Becker, vice president, general merchandise manager technology, Circuit City. “Microsoft Equipt delivers on an unmet customer need for an easy way to get the essential productivity and security software in an all-in-one package. And with the added benefit of getting the latest software as part of the Microsoft Equipt subscription, we expect this service to be a runaway hit.”