In order to compete against Apple and its iPad media tablets along with various Google Android-powered devices, the world's largest software developer has decided to cut prices of Windows 8 operating system and Office 2013 by a huge margin.

The move could also have been taken by Microsoft in the wake of slow adoption of Windows 8. The discounts are offered for notebook PCs equipped with touch screens. These hefty discounts will definitely make those systems more affordable.

According to the Wall Street Journal's anonymous sources, in the US dual pack of Windows 8 and Office is available for $30 (£20) to OEMs for devices under 10.8 inches with touch screen. Previously the price was $120 (£80). This huge discount is a move to increase the sales of affordable touch screen laptops and tablets with Windows 8 to eventually increase the adoption.

The CEO of Asus recently said the following at the company's investor conference: "Microsoft has been making many efforts lately that I cannot talk about in specific, but that will help give momentum to the notebook and netbook and Eee PC area".

The news of discounts offered by Microsoft on the dual pack of Windows 8 and Office 2013 has also been confirmed by a Taiwan-based site with knowledge of the high-tech supply chain.