Other students said, however, that they believe users will simply find ways around the policy change.
"We're college students and we don't have the money so we'll just be downloading it from other places. I think...both sides will be losing out on[the policy change]," said Elizabeth M. Gonzalez '01.
To warn users, Harvard Arts and Sciences Computer Services (HASCS) has included an advance notice of the policy change that appears on the screen when users attempt to use the Microsoft software through the network.
"I don't like the new policy, because it puts us in a situation where we are forced to discontinue services to students that we have been providing for some time now," Osterberg wrote. "However, Microsoft feels this is necessary to guarantee their own profit margin, which they have every right to do."
An alternative to buying Microsoft Office is to use alternate word processing and spreadsheet programs.
According to the HASCS Web site, the Technology Product Center is now offering Microsoft Office at a reduced price.