Microsoft Office 10 64-Bit Lacking in Key Areas

The computing industry has been waiting a long time for 64-bit. Finally, 64-bit has arrived and the new Windows 7 Operating System is delivering the performance and stability that we have all wanted and desired. However, with that said, we are all still waiting! For what are, we waiting for you ask. For our applications to be upgraded to 64-bit, so we can all use this 64-bit power.

One would think that since Microsoft has built the Operating System that the Office product would work without issues on this new OS. Office 2010 does work well with Windows 7 in the 64-bit OS. However, there are some limitations that one needs to be aware of, and those limitations are:

• Office add-ins need to be recompiled

• Web applications might not work

• Outlook does not synch well with non-64 bit devices

One of the first obstacles that you will have to overcome before you can even look at any of the applications is making sure that your computer is properly updated and patched. If you have not made the needed updates, you will not be able to install OFFICE 2010.

Do you currently use any add-ins with your Office product? If so, then the add-ins will require that the items are all re-compiled using 64-bit software. As for myself I use a couple of add-ins one for detecting SPAM email and the other for finding duplicate email messages. I will need to find out if the writers of these items have re-compiled into 64-bit.

Web Applications (even ones like SharePoint) might not work with your new Office product. Most large companies have spent a lot of time and money tweaking SharePoint 2003 & 2007 to fit their needs. With both operating systems, the Share Point version has been the 32-bit version. After spending all the money on getting this technology to work, corporate America is not wanting to reinvest in the new 64-bit version.

Another area that will be of concern for many people that have been using smart phones, Blackberries, etc to gain access to their email when away from the office is the connectivity issues that the 64-bit Outlook has brought about to the end consumer. This is one area where I think that the rubber-meets-the-road so to speak, on what problems people will tolerate. I think people can live with some of their add-ons not working. However, not being able to have access to their email from their mobile device will be devastating.

Before you deploy the new 2010 Office onto your computer, make sure that you have done your homework to ensure that the items that you will need operational will work. If you have an add-in that you just cannot live without, then the 32-bit version might be a better choice.