Next Office will come in 32-bit, 64-bit versions
Microsoft on Tuesday confirmed that the next version of Office, code-named Office 14, will come in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.
The 64-bit version is a first for both Office and for Microsoft's mainstream desktop applications, though a number of its server products, such as SQL Server, are already available in 64-bit versions. Office 14, which is expected to be called Office 2010, is slated to ship next year. Among its other notable features is the fact that Microsoft will offer browser-based versions of Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and OneNote, in addition to the traditional Windows-based desktop programs.
By extending the browser support to Firefox and Safari, in addition to Internet Explorer, Microsoft has said it will have the effect of also bringing Office to the iPhone and to Linux-based computers for the first time. The existence of the 32-bit and 64-bit versions was noted on Tuesday by Ars Technica and in March by ZDNet blogger Ed Bott.
