Recently, the SharePoint Product Team released information regarding the next version of SharePoint; SharePoint 2010. News regarding the next version of Microsoft Office; Office 2010 is also surfacing. As I regularly get questions from customers regarding both products I thought I’d pull together a list of useful resources and information.

So, what is SharePoint 2010 ?

It’s the next version of SharePoint. The official answer is “the business collaboration platform for the Enterprise & the Web that enables you to connect & empower people through an integrated set of rich features. Whether deployed on-premises or as hosted services, SharePoint 2010 helps you cut costs with a unified infrastructure while allowing you to rapidly respond to your business needs”.

What will I need to use SharePoint 2010?

The number one place to get readiness information on SharePoint 2010 is here. I also recommended that you also read the preliminary system requirements.

What other things can I do to get ready for SharePoint 2010?

• If you're thinking about deploying SharePoint, we recommend 64-bit hardware as the way forward
• Deploy Service Pack 2 for Windows SharePoint Service 3.0 and Service Pack 2 for SharePoint Server 2007 
• Run the Upgrade Checker Tool
• Continue to follow best practices in your SharePoint Server 2007 environment
• Developers should check-out the Visual Studio 2008 extensions for Windows SharePoint Services (VSeWSS), version 1.3
• Developers should take a look at LINQ and Silverlight development

Where can I get more info on SharePoint 2010?

• At the SharePoint Conference 2009!
• At the SharePoint 2010 FAQ
• The Official SharePoint Sneak Peak site
• Check-out the SharePoint 2010 video demo
• Keep up-to-date with this blog!

What is Office 2010?

The next version of Microsoft Office. Office 2010 aims to “give you rich and powerful new ways to deliver your best work - whether you’re at work, home, or school - on a computer, Web browser, or Smartphone”.

What is new in Office 2010?

• See here for videos regarding Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote and other Office 2010 client applications

Where can I get info on Office 2010 (client)?

• At the Office 2010 Movie Site 
• At the Microsoft.com Site
• Consider signing up to the Office 2010 Tech Preview

I hope the above information has wet your appetite. We hope to share lots more information with you once more details can be released to the public. Enjoy!

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