Windows watcher Paul Thurrott has confirmed that Microsoft plans to release Office 2010 on June 15 2010.
Thurrott made the comments in his weekly WinInfo short takes where he stated "Office 2010 for Windows, meanwhile, will become generally available June 15, 2010." Microsoft recently released a release candidate version of Office 2010 to technical beta testers. According to company insiders, the software giant plans to Release to Manufacturing (RTM) Office 2010 by the end of March/early April. Neowin questioned Microsoft on Thurrott"s statement and a Microsoft spokesperson would only confirm "we expect Office 2010 and related products to be generally available in June 2010."
In January Microsoft announced Office 2010 pricing. The professional edition will retail for $499 boxed. Office 2010 will be released in at least five different flavours, including a free version that includes Microsoft Word and Excel, but comes with limited functionality and includes advertisements. The editions of Office 2010 will include Starter, Home and Student, Home and Business, Professional and Professional Academic.
Microsoft also revealed that customers who purchase Office 2007 between March 5, 2010 and September 30, 2010 will receive a free upgrade copy to Office 2010. Check out Neowin"s top new features in Office 2010