Office 2003: Early or Not, Here It Comes

Sometimes, I get a really good chuckle out of Microsoft's marketing tactics.

Last night, the company started informing analysts and reporters that Office 2003 would be released for download to volume-licensing customers and to Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) subscribers, starting Monday. This has been characterized as being ahead of schedule (originally Oct. 1), fostered by customer demand.

In reality, because Microsoft completed final Office 2003 bits on Aug. 19, the company could pretty much release the code anytime after that date. After all, we're only talking about posting the software to a couple of Web servers (OK, so coordination is a bit more complicated when figuring 35 language releases, software download packaging and testing of those packages). So the schedule really is whatever Microsoft wants it to be--or when all the collateral informational material is ready. From another perspective, Office 2003 already is out, as seen from yesterday's leak.

Distributing discs is another matter. Microsoft typically needs about six weeks after final code is released to get discs, packaging and other documentation ready. So Aug. 19 to Oct. 1 sounds just about right for that process.

I haven't buzzed any PC makers today about their Office 2003 plans. It wouldn't shock me to see Office 2003 available with some new computers from Monday--or soon after.

Office 2003 officially launches on Oct. 21 in New York.

Posted by Joe Wilcox at September 12, 2003 10:15 AM