TechCrunch published an article which they later deleted for some weird unknown reason in which they stated that Microsoft Office might be free - add supported - starting next year. Here is what their original post said:
A secret tipster pointed us to a Credit Suisse report that posits that Microsoft is working hard on an ad-supported version of Microsoft Office. There will be two versions - one web-based and one for a desktop install - and both will have limited functionality compared to the full-bore suite. The plan is to create a version that is immune to piracy. Nigeria, for example, has a 92% piracy rate while the US is at 20%. Creating a free version would allow schools and average folk to enjoy an Microsoft Works-like environment while ensuring a steady stream of real revenue from larger IT shops.