<p>On a letter from the business school concerning computers and software requirements it listed Microsoft Office Professional. I didn't notice it at first (I was just going to get Microsoft Office Student) but when I went to purchase this particular version I noticed the price was $399 - almost same as computer! I called the school and got a rather "young" man on the phone and he said he didn't know why they would request Professional as they just need excel and word. </p>
<p>So my question: has anyone had any experience with the Business School and if so do the students really need MS Professional? If you compare the versions, Professional just has a few more programs (that the young man said aren't needed). I hate to spend $400 on a software when I can get it much cheaper if he doesn't need all those programs. Also there is a MS Office 365 University for 4 years at $79 that has the same programs as Professional so that may be an option.</p>
<p>any thoughts/comments are welcome as I am trying to save money where possible.</p>
<p>Thanks, I finally got someone in business school and they said the same. It would be nice if they would let you know there are other options. $80 versus $400 is a big difference.</p>
<p>@dbcbs5 - Who was the original letter from? I would suggest writing that person an email suggestion that future letters include the option of Microsoft Office 365 University. Of course it should, with that kind of price difference.</p>
<p>The letter came from the School of Business and signed by the Dean (I believe). I agree and will contact the school with a bit of “helpful suggestions” for future freshmen. I hate to image how many parents read the letter and purchased the program and didn’t research options - big money difference.</p>
<p>@dbcbs5 - Completely agree. I hate to think Tulane, or at least the business school, has started assuming that all students are in a position where money is no object. I doubt they think this, it is more likely it was just an oversight. Thanks for getting involved.</p>
<p>I was told that the technology staff in the business school recommends Microsoft Office Professional 2010 or 2013 for several reasons. The student version of the software lacks some functionality and the 365 version is accessible only with an internet connection. For students doing projects off campus without an Internet connection, face slow Internet speeds, and/or if the Internet is not functioning on campus, the Professional is a better choice. During the summer orientation for all students, University Services distributed information on the ability purchase software at an educational discount to all freshmen regardless of major. Apparently, the 365 version of the software can be purchased from Tulane on the Hub for $80 (listed online) and the Professional version can be purchased directly from the Technology Connection in the LBC for about $140 (called the store for the price on the Professional version). The link for more information regarding purchases can be found at: <a href=“http://tulane.edu/universityservices/tech-products/softwareorders.cfm”>http://tulane.edu/universityservices/tech-products/softwareorders.cfm</a>. </p>
<p>@Waiting100 - That’s great information, thanks. $140 vs. $400 is quite significant, obviously. I never had any doubt the Professional version was more powerful, but then so does a Ferrari vs. a Toyota and I didn’t buy one of the former.</p>
<p>@waiting100 - Thanks for the information I was so excited I called the Technology Connection and they do not offer Professional but they do offer Office 365 University - big deflate on the excitement factor. She said they work with the Business school and this is what they sell. The webiste only lists Office 365 University for students. They do offer Professional to Faculty and Staff to use on university owned computers.</p>
<p>They didn’t cover any software information during Honors Weekend in March when he registered for classes so I can’t comment on what was said during summer orientation but if you have any papers that say the Technolology Center offers the Professional version for a discount I would like to see that because I would buy it for $140. </p>
<p>I think maybe waiting100 got a bit confused about a license to use Professional on university computers versus a personal copy. I guess we should have known the a 65% discount or whatever that is would be too good to be true. Still, if Office 365 will do the job, that is still a big savings.</p>
<p>While I can see the advantage of the Professional version, I would just like to report for what it’s worth that I have a rising Senior and he has never had a problem with Office 365 being less than than what he needed. </p>