TO PARAPHRASE A term: "It's about the Internet, stupid." With that in mind, Microsoft has anointed the new versions of its popular software programs Windows and Office with an "XP" at the end of their names, the software giant announced Monday.

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The initials, which stand for "experience," are meant to symbolize "the rich and extended user experiences [that] Windows and Office can offer by embracing Web services that span a broad range of devices," Microsoft said in a statement. The new versions of Windows and Office are designed to be a part of Microsoft's signature .NET architecture to build Internet applications, the company said.

Office XP -- code-named Office 10 -- should get a public release by the end of the second quarter. Windows XP -- formerly known by its code name Whistler -- is expected to make its market debut in the second half of the year, the Redmond, Wash.-based company said. Microsoft will release additional details about Windows XP on Feb. 13, the company said.

Specifically, Windows XP will offer, voice, video, and application sharing over the Internet as well as wireless access, while Office XP will integrate communication tools such as Hotmail, the company's Web-based e-mail service, Microsoft said. Furthermore, Office XP will include a set of Web-based "Send for Review" tools for online document editing and review as well as a Web-based multiuser workspace called SharePoint Team Services, the company said.

Both Windows XP and Office XP are currently in beta testing, Microsoft said.