Microsoft's SharePoint 2013 program will be enhanced through integration with Yammer, a social networking company that the Redmond-based tech giant acquired months ago.
Windows IT Pro reports that Yammer Enterprise will come free with Sharepoint Online, and later roll out future updates and services using Office 365's "90-day release cycle." Yammer will be available as an add-in within SharePoint.
According to ComputerWorld, "Microsoft also announced that it is eliminating Yammer's Business edition, and that it is slashing the price of the more sophisticated Enterprise edition from $15 to $3 per user per month."
Both sources reinforce the company's focus on providing services through the cloud to both desktop and mobile devices.
Microsoft's official web page for the program reads, " SharePoint 2013 is the new way to work together. A simplified user experience helps you organize, sync and share all your content. New social capabilities make it easy to share ideas, keep track of what your colleagues are working on, and discover experts you never knew existed."
For Microsoft Office 2013's program suites, 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.
No official release date has been revealed, but Microsoft's corporate vice president of the Office Division
Kris Koenigsbauer promises a launch during the first fiscal quarter of 2013, which falls between October 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012.