Microsoft moves Office launch to 2007

Fresh on the heels of a delay in broad availability of Windows Vista, Microsoft confirmed late on Thursday it is also pushing the mainstream launch of Office 2007 to next year.

As with Vista, Microsoft hopes to finish the code for Office 2007 this year. The company said work will be completed by October, when it will make Office 2007 available to business customers that have signed up for Microsoft's volume licensing programme.

And, again as with Vista, Microsoft plans to ship retail and original equipment manufacturer versions of the product in January.

A Microsoft representative said: "We believe this will provide an easier experience for consumers and retailers alike."

Microsoft announced the Vista delay on Tuesday. With the twin push-backs, the PC industry's holiday season is shaping up to be quite different than the one originally expected. Microsoft has said it doesn't expect the Vista delay to dent PC sales in the fourth quarter but analysts have largely disagreed.

Microsoft is making major changes with the new Office, which will feature all-new XML-based file formats as well as a completely overhauled user interface, among other changes.

By pushing out the Office launch date, however, Microsoft will regain the ability to launch the two products in tandem. Microsoft had been planning a massive fourth-quarter launch for the products.

Earlier on Thursday, Microsoft announced it was naming Office head honcho Steven Sinofsky to lead a new Windows and Windows Live development group. Microsoft said Sinofsky will work with Microsoft Business Division president Jeff Raikes in the coming weeks to help determine who will lead the Office business after his move.

The change in launch timing for Office 2007 was noted earlier on Thursday by Jupiter Research analyst Joe Wilcox on his Microsoft Monitor blog.

Microsoft in November had released an initial test version of Office 2007 - then known by its Office 12 code name. A broader test version is planned for this spring.

Ina Fried writes for CNET News.com