Office 2010

[susan silva]

Just as we learn the last version, the next is coming.   Just as a preview for those who haven't seen what will be new:

http://www.deskdemon.com/dnet/browse_vids.php?&c=5&s=v&b=0

What do you think of a new version every other year?  Do you think is good?  Too hard on companies to pay for upgrades?  A waste of MOS certs?  What are your comments.  (Videos do show some pretty fun new features coming).   Let me know.

[Cathy S]

In general I think new versions on a regular basis are a good thing but from a corporate point of view it can become a costly exercise in rolling out new versions and retraining staff.  It is very easy to be tempted to have the new shiny version without carefully evaluating the benefits of it.

For example the Excel video shows some interesting looking features but if I am honest they would almost certainly not work for the data I need to use - so yes it would be fun to play but a waste of the organisation's money if they wanted to buy the new software to gain business advantage.  The version we have will do what we need and more, but that will vary in different commercial sectors I am sure.

On my own computer, I never upgrade to a new software version for a minimum of 6 months after release because that is the time it takes to iron out the major bugs.  Our organisation is unlikely to upgrade for several years, partly due to the time taken to roll out across the business and partly becasue our Microsoft Office interfaces with so many other systems it is not just a matter of deploying new Office ...

[chikky]

I agree with Cathy.  I just think it is Microsoft's way of tring to market and make more money.  There is no difference from 2002, 2003 and 2007.  They just shift where things are so you have to learn all over where the functions are.   

[gee4]

Why is it when I'm in the middle of posting a reply and someone posts one in the meantime, mine doesn't get posted and I have to retype it??

Anyhow, no we don't need new versions every year.....upgrades and mods possibly.  Like the others have said it's a ploy to get consumers to spend money.

We have just completed an IT audit in the last couple of months to reduce the number of pc's and laptops that are not required or being used.  I doubt if we will be upgrading to a newer version of MS Office anytime soon.

However it does force us as admin professionals to keep on top of new technology in case we move jobs or are expected to learn a new version of MS Office.

[kaitnewt]

I agree that they can wait a bit longer in between up dates.  BUT looking at the videos there are parts I really like.  Outlook and Powerpoint are the two program I use the most and both have enticing upgrades.   I am not sure when they plan to release 2010, but would talk to my boss about upgrading.   I wonder how well it works with previous versions of Microsoft Office.   I hope they take downward compatability into consideration.  That would be the biggest obstacle in upgrading.