Microsoft announced on Wednesday that it will offer a free, advertising-supported version of its basic software, Microsoft Works. It is part of a test program with computer manufacturers.

Due to the severe competition with Google's business software services, Microsoft is recently wondering the future of its Microsoft Works. Unlike Google Docs and Spreadsheets delivered on the Internet, Microsoft plans to pre-install Works on computers and display the advertisings stored in cache. The software prices $39.99 for retails.

“When a user connects to the Internet while using Works, that cache of ads will refresh,” Melissa Stern, a Microsoft senior product manager in the Office group, said.

The advertising-supported Microsoft Works SE 9 is planned to be rolled out in a few months. Details have not yet been disclosed.