Microsoft are pushing the idea of collaborative and access-all-areas thinking with the new version of Office - Office 2010. As well as improving the feature rich core components, it is going to include features specifically designed for mobile workers and remote workers by launching a new service of 'Office Web Apps'. A selection of the screenshots can be found here
These 'web apps' are online lightweight versions of the full software. This is running entirely on the Internet and even PC's without Office installed can create and share these new documents. It also allows for co-authoring and better information sharing whilst using the online system.... all of which is directly compatible with the normal version stored on your PC.
Microsoft also announced that it is streamlining the number of Office editions from eight to five and enhancing each edition with additional applications and features. The company also announced that Office Web applications will be available in three ways: through Windows Live, where more than 400 million consumers will have access to Office Web applications at no cost; on-premises for all Office volume licensing customers including more than 90 million Office annuity customers; and via Microsoft Online Services, where customers will be able to purchase a subscription as part of a hosted offering.
The system requirements are very similar to the specifications for Office 2007. A 500MHz or higher processor, 256MB of memory and 1.5GB of hard disk space. DTCS have found, however, that certain features are disabled if the system has less than 1GB (1024MB) of memory. More answers can be found at the Office 2010 FAQ site (Word or equivalent required, 1MB download)
