Microsoft tightens rules for Office student discounts

Software giant Microsoft has made big changes to the way it sells software to schools and students, hoping to crack down on those looking to get its Office suite on the cheap.

Microsoft has traditionally offered Office at a hefty discount for those in the education sector, but appears mindful that its benevolence may be open to abuse.

In future, students and staff will have to provide the company with a valid educational email address – typically ones ending in the ".ac" domain.

Previously, Microsoft relied on retailers verifying that those taking advantage of its staff-and-students offer were genuine.

Microsoft has come under some pressure to defend the market position of its Office cash cow, as alternatives such as Google Apps and Open Office have matured and users have migrated away from Windows to mobile operating systems, such as Android and iOS.

Microsoft therefore will be keen to continue targeting students with affordable versions of its software, said Bob Tarzey, an analyst with research firm Quocirca.

"Microsoft needs to make sure that the deal expires when the student ceases to be a student, so that will involve some sort of annual renewal," he said.

Microsoft has also said that those buying Office under its new terms may be asked for further verification – and those not able to do so will be liable to reimburse it the difference between the purchase price and an "estimated retail price of the software".