Office 2007 Beta 1 'Refresh' in March

With Office 2007 -- formerly referenced as Office "12" -- Beta 2 not due until the second quarter, Microsoft is preparing to release a Technical Refresh Build of Office 2007 Beta 1. The interim build will be made available next month following the release of the Windows Vista February CTP.

Time is running out for Microsoft to ship the February CTP, which is expected to be the first "feature complete" build of Windows Vista. The much-anticipated Windows Sidebar is expected to make its first appearance in the release. Microsoft did not say what changes the Office 2007 Beta 1 Refresh will bring, but it is expected to be required for use with the new Vista CTP.