The Microsoft Software Discount for Students

Microsoft software products like Office 2007 are often expensive programs to purchase, but a little-known discount for students could save them hundreds of dollars. It's called the Ultimate Steal, with the discounts offered by Microsoft and online retailer Digital River.

For cash-strapped college students, the discounts can make some necessary programs easily attainable. To access the offer directly on Microsoft's website, visit http://www.microsoft.com/student/discounts/theultimatesteal-us/default.aspx.

Among the programs offered at a discount are the full version of Office Ultimate 2007 for $59.95 (retails at Amazon.com for nearly $350), the upgrade to Windows 7 Professional for $29.99 (retails for $200), Office Visio Professional 2007 for $55.95 (retails for over $200), and Office Language Pack 2007 for $9.95 (retails for about $95).

To qualify for the discount, the purchaser must be a student enrolled in at least .5 hours in an educational institution. The student must have a valid email address at the institution ending in ".edu" and be able to check emails at that address (ordering instructions are sent to the address). In some cases, the student may have to provide proof of enrollment.

Purchases are handled by Digital River, which may give some buyers pause, expecting Microsoft to handle the purchases. Buyers shouldn't worry about providing a credit card to Digital River's online checkout system; they are one of the most reliable and trusted payment processors online.

Once a buyer is "certified" as a student and ordering instructions are sent via email, programs can be downloaded once payment is made. For an additional fee ($8 in the case of Office Ultimate 2007), a CD copy of the program can be sent to the buyer as a backup.

Source: Microsoft