Microsoft has sent out notices informing Microsoft Connect (http://connect NULL.microsoft NULL.com/) members (Full Disclosure: I am a member of of MS Connect) that the Microsoft Office 2010 Technical Preview (which is basically a very early version of the software) will be ending and that as of November the Office 2010 public beta will be available.

     So far the Technical Preview has been very smooth and stable.  Office 2010 does take a little getting used to as some of the features have moved locations with the use of the Office Ribbon.

     Here is the email that Microsoft has sent out.

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Subject: Microsoft Office 2010 Beta Coming Soon – Technical Preview Program to Close 
Date: Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:24:52 -0700
 
 
Hello Alex,
Thank you for continuing to utilize, evaluate and provide feedback on the Microsoft Office 2010 Technical Preview.
We wanted to notify you the Office 2010 Beta will be available for you to download next month (November 2009).
The Beta release of Office 2010 marks the end of the Technical Preview program you currently belong to. We will release the Beta on public download sites, where you can download and install a newer build of Office 2010 client software. At that time, you will also get your first look at the exciting new features we have added to server products such as SharePoint.
What this means to you as a Technical Preview Program participant is that the Office 2010 Connect site that you have been using will essentially be shut down and you will be directed to the Beta site (location to be announced) for Beta downloads, product information, links to forums, and more. We will provide you with links to the new Beta site on the current Office 2010 Connect site, but product downloads, articles, product information, and newsgroups currently found there will no longer be available on Connect.
In the weeks between now and the release of Beta, you can still access all of the Technical Preview materials on the Office 2010 Connect site.
A reminder, you can access connect at http://connect.microsoft.com/office.
You can also access product news and updates at http://www.microsoft.com/office/2010/.
Thank you for your participation!
The Microsoft Office 2010 Team