Free Microsoft Office 2007 | Beta 2

If you don’t use MS Office applications, here’s your opportunity. If you do already, you can probably make use of this too – I’m just a little too nervous of screwing up my Office 2003 installation…

The heads-up on this interesting offer: Microsoft has generously decided to give away the beta version of their Office 2007 suite for free. I was able to download the installation packages and get the product keys after a brief online registration (hotmail, passport, .net account, etc. required).

Here is their expected pricing for the final version of the 2007 Microsoft Office System (Full Price/Upgrade Price):

$499/$329 Microsoft Office Professional 2007
$449/$279 Microsoft Office Small Business 2007
$399/$239 Microsoft Office Standard 2007
$149/None Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007

A few things Microsoft points out:

Registration is required for participation.

2007 Microsoft Office system Beta 2 is for evaluation and planning purposes only.

Beta software does not necessarily display the same high level of stability of shipped Microsoft products.

Beta testers may experience problems with 2007 Microsoft Office system Beta 2 products that could potentially result in loss, corruption, or destruction of existing data.

This beta testing release is not appropriate for production use.

It is strongly recommended that you back up your existing data before you install and run this software.

Beta code is offered “as is,” and does not include technical support.

Expiration Date
All 2007 Microsoft Office system Beta 2 software has an expiration date of February 1, 2007. After expiration, 2007 Microsoft Office system Beta 2 will continue to work in a reduced functionality mode that limits your options and operations.

Should I become bold enough to actually install this software, I’ll post again here; but in the mean time, let me know what kind of success you’ve had…Good luck!