Microsoft Corp claims that the idea of cutting prices on its Word-Excel bundle with Quorum Software Systems Inc’s Equal applications adaptor – it emulates the Macintosh environment under Unix – came from Quorum, which raises the suspicion that Quorum’s sales have not been all that hot. But as Menlo Park, California-based Quorum has yet to publish its accounts, no-one can be certain. The pair last week cut the price of the formerly three-piece bundle from $1,300 to $300 each for either Equal with Word or Excel. Quorum indicated that the move, which brings it in line with personal computer prices, has deeper implications for it than appear on the surface. First, it said that its recent experience in the market indicates that Unix can no longer be sold at premium prices. It also stated its intention to approach other third-party software companies about application-specific bundles including Equal, effectively becoming something of an applications broker. Second, Quorum anticipates adding other Microsoft programs, probably beginning with other members of the Office line. Quorum and Microsoft are currently touting the new pricing as an upgrade, available to users who can prove they bought any Unix spreadsheet or word processor or any version of 1-2-3, Quattro Pro or Wordperfect. Users of Macintosh or Windows versions of Word or Excel can transfer their licences and get Equal for $600.
