Microsoft Corp. opens up its test for Office 2010 by offering an early peek to a select group of technology-savvy testers. But the much awaited free Web-based versions of its programs like Word and Excel will take longer to come.

Microsoft launched the “technical preview” on Monday which evidences that Office 2010 is on track for release during the early part of next year.

Office, the popular desktop software package, will have more options for users which also include working simultaneously on documents, organizing e-mail and editing videos and photos. Along with that, users will also get free companion versions which will run in a Web browser.

Microsoft Office, the most popular software package worldwide for office works, is trying to defend against a long-developing trend of movement of software from desktop to the Web. Google is at the same time trying hard to get more market share for its free, Web-based office programs.

According to Microsoft, the Web versions of Office 2010’s “technical preview” will be available in August. The Web version will be free to users and will be supported by advertising. Companies, who have long-term Office licensing agreements, will be able to install the online programs on their servers without paying anything extra. Microsoft-operated data centers will sell subscriptions to access the programs to companies. Microsoft will sell five variations on the suite – 2 variations for big corporations and 3 variations for consumers and small businesses.

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