Microsoft Puts Up Office 2007 Preview

With 2.5 million downloads of Office 2007 Beta 2 already counted, Microsoft has put up a Web-based preview of its new office suite to reach even more potential customers. The online "test drive" features 18 product-specific tutorials and covers most Office system client applications and servers.

The preview allows users to try out Office 2007 components directly, or be guided through walk-through tours of the various new features of each product. Additionally, pre-populated data enables users to test new server functionality from SharePoint and Project Server.

Initially, the test drive will just be available in English, however Microsoft plans to make it available in French, German, Japanese, and Spanish later this week. The site requires Internet Explorer 6 and a broadband connection.

"Office 2007's radically redesigned user interface means Microsoft really needs to re-introduce people to the software," commented Jupiter Research senior analyst and Microsoft pundit Joe Wilcox.

"The test drive also is opportunity to emphasize user benefits derived from the new UI. The latter is important for two reasons: The UI redesign is all about user benefits and risk-adverse IT managers and their employees will need to see those increased benefits to really evaluate the merits of upgrading."

"We’re seeing many firsts with this release of Office, including a new user interface, a new set of solutions to enhance your work experience and a record high number of people using Beta 2," said Chris Capossela, Microsoft corporate vice president. “The online test-drive offers the perfect opportunity for everyone to experience an easier and better way to work."