Microsoft has been preparing for this day since the initial injunction was ordered in August of last year, but both CNET and Computerworld are reporting that most versions of Office were unavailable for purchase from the online store for at least part of the day.
Microsoft has confirmed the reports and noted that some product download options will be unavailable today.
As to what went missing, CNET reports:
"Most versions of Office were unavailable from Microsoft's online store. As of 1:30 p.m. PST, only the $679 Office Ultimate edition was listed in stock."
"The software maker also pulled Office 2003 Professional from its MSDN and TechNet developer site. However, the company noted that the standard version of Office 2003 is still available and the professional version will be back online for subscribers soon."
The ongoing saga stems from an i4i Inc. lawsuit asserting that Microsoft used its patented XML technology in current versions of Microsoft Word. The injunction was first ordered in August, but Microsoft was granted an extension and a stay, enabling it to continue selling Microsoft Word pending the appeal. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit upheld the lower courts ruling in late December, and Microsoft has been scrambling to remove the custom XML feature ever since.
Office's absence likely won't be long-term though. Microsoft issued the following statement: