Microsoft recently shipped a release candidate of Office 2010 to technical beta testers. While the company prepares the Office 2010 Release to Manufacturing build, which is expected by the end of March or early April. According to sources, on June 15, 2010 Office 2010 for Windows will become generally available. This means that you will be able to go into a retail outlet and purchase a boxed copy of the software.

In January, the company announced its pricing structure for Office 2010. The professional edition, $499 boxed, in all Office 2010 will be released in at least five different versions, including a free version that includes Microsoft Word and Excel. However, the free version of Office 2010 comes with its limitations and includes advertisements. The Office 2010 editions will consist of Starter, Home and Student, Home and Business, Professional and Professional Academic.

Also, Microsoft also revealed that customers who purchase Office 2007 between march 5, 2010 and September 30, 2010 will receive a free upgrade copy to Office 2010.