Microsoft UK Offers Free XP Desktop Trial

Hoping to encourage a transition to Office XP, as well as Windows XP when it arrives this October, Microsoft UK is offering a free evaluation pack to businesses looking to preview the software. Visio 2002 and Project 2000 will also be made available to those who request the additional tools. After slow adoption of Windows 2000 and more recently Office XP, the software giant hopes a free trial will give corporations a chance to see value in the upgrade.

While Microsoft states the pack contains a 30-day trial CD with Office XP, the business copy of Windows XP will function for 180 days after installation. It is not clear, however, whether Microsoft will send Release Candidate 2 -- the last prerelease milestone -- or RTM copies of Windows XP.

To request an XP Desktop Evaluation Pack, simply visit Microsoft UK and complete the ITXP form. Only information regarding your place of employment and number of business computers is required in addition to a Passport account.