Office 12 goes beta this year

The first details about Office's latest version have been made public since last year's autumn, when Windows IT Pro posted information about this suite. Back then, it was announced that Office 12 could be launched on May 22, 2006, with the first Beta version available on February 16, 2005.

Paul Thurrott, well-known for the disclosures on Microsoft's future programs, gave more details about Office 12. It seems the new suite will include new solutions for instant messaging, but also impressive graphical elements, similar to the ones included in the Mac:Office edition. The first beta version of the Office 12 suite will be available in October, and the final version is scheduled for mid 2006. Office 12 will be compatible with Windows XP as well as Longhorn.

But the person entitled person to give details on Office 12 is Bill Gates, who shed some light on this suite by announcing structural changes; we remind you that since Office 97, no significant changes have been brought to this application.

Office 12 will be available in 32 and 64 bit versions, and the complete version of the suite will be ready for commercializing in the same period as Longhorn. Office 12 represents a much more efficient solution for fast-growing companies, which require new security, sharing and transmitting solutions.