Brother Muhammed: as far as I have checked it both means the same thing.. The word As would mean like saying "the" and leaving it out does not alter the meaning of the Salaams itself. I will do some more research on it In Sha Allah and if I find anything that contradicts what I said will let you know. However since it is now a doubtful matter I will avoid saying so and stick to "Assalamu Alaikum" since this is after all a confirmed matter from the Quran and Sunnah. Jazakhallahu Khair for bringing this to my notice and may Allah increase us all in knowledge.. Aameen!