Microsoft Office 2013 Release Date, Prices: Server Costs for Businesses Rise, As The Company Readies Suite For February Launch

On December 1, Microsoft will increase its prices on user-client access licenses (CAL) by 15 percent, according to ZDNET.

These servers allow employees of subscribing companies to access a cloud server from smart devices. The Redmond-based company notes that "Device CALs may make more economic and administrative sense if your company has workers who share devices, for example, on different work shifts."

Software Manager Rich Gibbons states, "An increase in price when a new version [of Office] is released is quite common, with most manufacturers, but coupled with the December 1st 15% increase on user CALs and just 6 months after the 30% price rise relating to the Euro/GBP leveling- I do not anticipate this being well received by customers!"

He adds, "If you have these Office products under Software Assurance currently, you will completely own the current version within the licensing conversion plans and rules. You should seriously consider whether it is necessary to renew these under SA, as many of them might not ever even have a next on-premise version (might all move to the cloud). But, if you want to continue to place your bets on what's next, Microsoft will happily take your Software Assurance payments."

For Microsoft Office 2013, Microsoft looks to transition most users to a subscription model. Office 365 Home Premium will cost $99.99/year, and Office 365 Small Business Premium will cost $149.99/year. If Office users opt for the traditional licensed offering, Office Home & Student 2013 will be priced at $139.99, Office Home & Business 2013 at $219.99, and Office Professional 2013 at $399.99. Office Small Business Premium offers its suite for $12.50/month and can be used by up to 25 employees. Office 365 University costs either $79.99 for a four-year subscription, or $1.67/month.

Microsoft has further incentivized the new Office with a promotion that encourages any consumer who purchases Microsoft Office 2010 between now and April 30, 2013 to apply for a free upgrade to Microsoft Office 2013 or a one-year subscription to Office 365, the Redmond-based company's cloud service.

The Verge reports that Office 2013 will likely launch for consumers in February, although no official release date has been announced.