Microsoft Office and Virtual PC

After Microsoft's acquisition of Connectix, there have been user concerns regarding Microsoft's plans for the Virtual PC Emulation package, despite reassurances of ongoing development.

Reports indicate that beyond the current offerings of Virtual PC as a standalone package, Microsoft is also planning on bundling Virtual PC with Mac Microsoft Office to create a new Professional Office package. The standard (non-VPC) version of Office will continue to be made available and will see a price drop to make room for the new Professional suite. The introduction of a Student & Teacher version is also expected.

This reorganization will more closely mirror their Windows XP offerings for Office which include Professional, Standard and Student & Teacher versions.

Update: Prices are reported to be $499 for Office v. X Professional Edition, $399 for Office v. X. Standard, $149 for Office v. X Student and Teacher.