I have been asked advice on buying MS Office software to meet the requirements for the upgrades to their existing or new practice management systems. Here is what I found, and I would be very happy to get more ideas on how to save money on this topic, input is very welcome.

Most new versions of the local software require MS Office 2003.

You could go for a purchase of Office Professional 2003, for about R2000
www.jump.co.za/product/microsoft-office-...-version-6938909.htm

But I would imagine that if you are spending the money, you would want to stay current and buy MS Office Standard 2007.

1. According to Microsoft, you can upgrade to 2007 Standard from Office 2000 upwards.


2. System requirements, are Windows XP (SP2), PC with more than 256Mb RAM (I would say 512Mb).


3. Most on-line shops (jump.co.za, pricecheck.co.za, digitaladdition.co.za) price the upgrade at R2650 incl VAT. (www.digitaladdiction.co.za/product_info.php?products_id=1182)


4. I would check stores like Incredible, Game, Makro where I bought Office Standard Home for my wife for home use at R699. Retail on that was about R1200. My advice is not to "jip" the system, as the "Home" system is limited, and it is illegal to use for business use.

My advice:

1. If you need to replace your Operating system as well (as you need Windows XP), rather replace the PC, and buy one that comes bundled with XP/Vista and buy Office Standard DSP (only allowed to sell DSP with new systems). Office Standard DSP is about R2100. Lots of nice netbooks and notebooks around, but first write down what you want from it before you start looking. (I can advise you if you go down this road).


2. Microsoft help desk is waaaayyyyy better that it used to be, do not be scared to call and ask for advice on products, like what you qualify for with your existing version, what options you have to get what you want (Word, Excel, Outlook).


3. Microsoft on the web, have a 60 day trial of any of the Office products, I would first use this before buying, as I would want to get away with the bare minimum for what I need.


4. You can buy MS Office 2007, and only install 2003. A lot of people do not like the new navigation of 2007 - probably another good reason why to choose the evaluation period.

BTW, Full version to Upgrade saves between R600 to R800.
Full version to DSP saves between R1100 and R1300.

As I said, comments on this topic are very valuable, please share your thoughts.

Malcolm