Even though the recent word that the next version of Microsoft Office, dubbed Office 14, was delayed until next year, we have good news for those of you who are still using Windows XP. Microsoft's Chris Capossela has informed the Silicon Valley Insider that Office 14 will run on Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. In a statement Capossela noted:
"Our install base of Office 2003 and 2007 is actually quite quite high in enterprises even if XP is what most enterprises are still using on their PCs. We're looking at XP [for Office 14] with some service pack[s]. We don't think it makes sense to require only Windows 7 with a new version of Office."
While no one actually reported that Office 14 was going to be a featured release for Windows 7, this can give corporate and normal consumers ease of mind when the beta begins in the next few months. While you're waiting for the beta to begin, check out our article with Office 14 Alpha screenshots.
With the current economy, people will keep what they have unless they need to upgrade.
Although I'm looking forward to Windows 7 on my home hardware, and currently run Windows Vista Ultimate on hardware, I'm glad that we are still using Windows XP at work. Further, only "bad" ITs adopt an OS right after release. Best to wait and see what problems develop post-release and even better to wait until after the first service pack (based on MS track record).
Not to mention the fact that a lot of the business side features require updated server side software to even take advantage of. It costs a company quite a bit of money to upgrade, and it is hard to see how much the upgrade is worthwhile.
But I'll probably be getting Windows 7 retail on release. I don't mind playing lab rat with my home computer, and have been quite pleased with the Windows 7 Beta.
It's not bad! After all why do people need to buy a new operating system just to enjoy the benefits of a software program? It doesn't make sense at all.
Considering that the last user I know to get Windows XP was in 2006, that computer will probably still be in use in 2012 if nothing goes wrong. While he's not likely to upgrade to Office 14, he should have the option.
Microsoft has nothing to gain by forcing Office 14 to only run on Vista or 7. It would just mean fewer sales and bad publicity as mentioned.
Last edited by TRC on 03 Mar 2009 - 18:56
Windows XP is still a widely used OS, there is no reason to make a new Office suite if it isn't going to be compatible with a widely used OS.
And lose out on all the money that would be made from it? They are not stupid.
If you don't like or use XP, why do you care if others do?
its time to move on.. simple as that
Use whichever OS you want, and let others do the same.
Last edited by Mathachew on 03 Mar 2009 - 22:08
You mean vista.
For what it's worth Office 14 will probably work on 98 too though.
I can assure you, Office 14 will not, and should not, work on Windows 98. It probably won't even work on Windows 2000.
Supporting Windows XP makes a lot of sense, because unfortunately too many people still use it.
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