OpenOffice 2.0 Beta Launched

The 75MB file (Windows) can be Downloaded free of charge from the OpenOffice.org Web site. Versions for Linux (102MB) and Solaris (104MB) are also available, but a Mac edition, if one appears, won't make a debut until at least next year.

OpenOffice 2.0 features a redesigned interface and includes a database application. More information about the edition's toolset can be found on the group's Web site.

The suite is based on code provided by Sun Microsystems, which is working on the next edition of its own branded suite, StarOffice. Version 8 of StarOffice is expected to ship in mid-September.