Fast Facts Section B: May 14, 2001

Microsoft About-Face

Microsoft is scaling back plans to sell its Office software suite via a one-year subscription. The company plans to release its Office XP software later this month, but it will be available only on a limited basis in a few countries, the company says. Nevertheless, Microsoft says it remains committed to the subscription model.

Bid Surprise

Internet systems integration specialist Proxicom, which earlier agreed to be acquired by Compaq Computer for about $266 million, is entertaining a better offer from Dimension Data Holdings, a British computer consultant. Dimension has offered $347 million, but its unlikely to provoke a bidding war with Compaq. Plenty of other Net consultants could be scooped up at bargain prices.

Name Your CEO

Name-your-price travel specialist Priceline.com said it would oust Daniel Schulman as CEO and president, just as the company is about to turn a profit. Chairman Rick Braddock will reassume the CEO post, and Chief Operating Officer Jeffery Boyd will be president.