Microsoft has changed the license agreement for Office for Mac 2011, Office Home & Student 2013, Office Home & Business 2013 and Office Professional 2013 and standalone applications purchased through retail/resellers.

Based "on feedback from our customers who asked for additional flexibility," the company says the changes allow customers who have already purchased, or newly purchase, the WinOffice 2013 or MacOffice 2011 suites to transfer the software from one computer to another, effective immediately, says Microsoft. For the last several months, users were previously able to install on one computer, but not transfer to another.

Customers can now transfer their license and activate it on a new or different computer as many times as they want but not more than once every 90 days. In the event of a computer failure within 90-day period, the customer should call Microsoft customer support. Also, Office can be reinstalled on the same computer, as needed.

To transfer a Office license to a new computer, you must uninstall the license from your original computer and then reinstall it on your new computer using the same set-up instructions. This includes both Mac and Windows versions of Office. The original owner can transfer the license to someone else either with a computer or by itself.

For customers who need Office across multiple Macs or PCs, Microsoft recommends an Office 365 Home Premium 1-year subscription, which allows you to install the software on up to five computers (Macs or PCs). Office 365 pricing is $9.99 per month, or $99.99 per year. Office 365 includes a number of additional features including automatic version upgrades, free Skype minutes for world calling, extra storage in SkyDrive, Outlook services, etc... See http://www.microsoft.com/mac/buy for more information.

Additionally, those techs and consultants interested in learning more about Microsoft Office for Mac should consider Microsoft's new credentials: Microsoft Office for Mac Accredited Support Professional. This new pilot program is specifically designed to train and accredit Apple techs and consultants on Microsoft Office for Mac and Office 365 suites. The half day long pilot program takes place the day prior to each MacTech BootCamp II in 2013. This new Microsoft accreditation program is training and evaluation focused on the issues every consultant and tech should know when advising on or supporting Microsoft Office for Mac, and Microsoft Office 365, with a focus on Apple users. For more information, see http://www.mactech.com/bootcamp/microsoft-office-accreditation