This morning, Microsoft annoucned the beginning of the "Office 15" Technical Preview Program, the codename for the next generation of the Microsoft Office products and services. The Technical Preview is the first time Microsoft is shares its work with a select group of its customers under non-disclosure agreements. The group of testers will play a key role in the software's development process by testing early builds and providing feedback.

PJ Hough, CVP of Development, Microsoft Office Division, did not share too much about Office 15.

"Office 15 is the most ambitious undertaking yet for the Office Division. With Office 15, for the first time ever, we will simultaneously update our cloud services, servers, and mobile and PC clients for Office, Office 365, Exchange, SharePoint, Lync, Project, and Visio. Quite simply, Office 15 will help people work, collaborate, and communicate smarter and faster than ever before, " he said.

Microsoft plans to offer trial versions of Office 15 (public beta) later this summer.