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.

Software designed for a 32-bit processor can still run on a 64-bit machine, but likely, the 64-bit version of Office will have some performance advantages over its 32-bit sibling when running on a 64-bit machine.

Computers with 64-bit processors have been shipping for years, but it is only in the last year or so that most new PCs have started to be sold with a 64-bit operating system--required for running a 64-bit application.

While most desktop applications still run only in 32-bit mode, the server side has switched over more quickly. Some of Microsoft's server products, such as Exchange 2007 the upcoming Windows Server 2008 R2, come only in the 64-bit variety.

The big selling point of 64-bit software is its ability to directly accommodate more than 4GB of physical memory.

[coryschulz]

I use iWork so this doesn't affect me. iWork FTW!!

[sythara]

Good for you, you want a cookie?

[solu1978]

Why bother commenting on something that doesn?t affect you

[pithenumber]

iWork?
even most Mac users prolly use MS Office
how dedicated of a fanboi are you?

[sythara]

It would be nice to see office built around x64 architecture. And hopefully the exploits won't be as common for x64 as they would be for 32 bit, just as the reality with XP and XP x64.

[firefoxluva95]

Hmm...but are the lack of exploits due to the architecture itself or the fact that not very many people have adopted 64-bit yet and that is the reason there aren't as many 64-bit exploits because it's a waste of a hacker's time? Even so, it would be nice to have 64-bit given that I have made the switch starting with Windows 7 betas and I am going to purchase Windows 7 x64 Professional.

[Mr. Dee]

Device Driver Signing, ASRL, Patch Guard, UAC, Windows Firewall with Advanced Security. Is that enough for you?

[this1!]

I would care, if the latest version of office wasn't soo awful, and the slowest when compared to older version with era representative hardware/OS.

I have the actual time graphs somewhere, (saved them and printed them out when I read the an article on it) but couldn't find them. Will find and post if possible.

[jessiethe3rd]

I guess it matters what exactly you are doing with Office. If you are just using it as a word processor, spreadsheet viewer/modifier okay.

When using Office with SharePoint, Office Communication Server, and other Office applications there is really no comparison integration wise and functionality wise. Office is not just Office anymore... It's a platform.

[El_Segfaulto]

Time graphs? It's not like we're rendering video or doing other processor heavy tasks. In 2007 when I click something, it happens instantaneously. There was a hellish few months of relearning where the common commands were (thank the idiots at Microsoft...) but the benefits outweigh the learning curve. I'm finishing up my thesis in Word 2007, it's nice to have all of the formatting, numbering, citing, and TOC ordering done on-the-fly and correctly.

[shootthecops]

office is NOT coming to Linux. Microsoft's business model is lockin. microsoft released office for Mac to avoid antitrust violations

[pithenumber]

does iTunes have a Linux version?
does Safari have a Linux version?
what about iLife?
the answer to all of them is No

for the record, it is pretty easy to install MS Office under Wine

[Mr. Dee]

Microsoft Office was first launched on the Mac in 1990. Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint were once Mac only products in 80's.

[Hernys]

Office for mac was released way before antitrust issues were there.
Microsoft business model is making money. A linux version of Office is unlikely to bring that, at least in the short term.
Besides, if you want to sound leading edge at least ask for a cloud based version. Asking for linux desktop applications is sooo last century...

[megustansalchichas]

i hope they get rid of the stupid ribbon

[smprejean58]

Was out of touch for awhile. Since i've been back I've been catching up by reading Ms. Fried, and susequent commentary. Just wanted to say thanks for doing what you do. even a dummy like me can make informed decisions. Thanks again.

[Hernys]

> The 64-bit version is a first for both Office and for Microsoft's mainstream desktop applications.
Wrong. Office for Mac is available in 64 bit.

OK, I know I'm nitpicking here.

[catch23]

But OS X is not a 64 bit OS. It is a 32 bit kernel with a 64 bit memory manager hacked onto it.
So outside of +4 gigs memory, you really don't get any 64bit improvements.

And I'm not being nitpicky. Just bringing up facts.