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Performance Issues Delay Office 2007

Microsoft acknowledged Thursday that it has, at least slightly, delayed delivery of Office 2007, primarily for performance issues.

"Based on internal testing and Beta 2 feedback around product performance, we are revising our development schedule to deliver the 2007 Microsoft Office system by the end of year 2006, with broad general availability in early 2007," said a statement provided by a Microsoft spokeswoman.

Beta 2 of Office 2007 just started in late May when it was given out to attendees at Microsoft's annual Windows Hardware Engineering Conference in Seattle.

No one knows at this point, exactly how much extra time will be needed to assure the gigantic product is fully tested and optimized, and the company declined to speculate, saying, as always, that quality will determine schedules and not vice versa.

"Feedback on quality and performance will ultimately determine the exact dates," the statement said.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday, Microsoft said that downloads of Windows Vista Beta 2 will be cut off as of Friday, June 30. "What this means is -- if you want to get a copy, get it now (and I mean now). Visit www.microsoft.com/betaexperience/engb and either download or order," said a blog post on the Microsoft Developer Network.

About the Author

Stuart J. Johnston has covered technology, especially Microsoft, since February 1988 for InfoWorld, Computerworld, Information Week, and PC World, as well as for Enterprise Developer, XML & Web Services, and .NET magazines.

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