Microsoft offers Office 2010 free to MS Partner University "grads"

With Office 2010 set to hit retail shelves in just over a month, Microsoft is once again gearing up the hype machine. This time instead of going with the Windows 7/Tupperware party concept, they're dangling a freebie carrot.

Right now, you can claim a free copy of Office 2010 -- all you have to do is complete three training courses over at Microsoft Partner University. Once you've finished your sessions, you can fill in the blanks at OfficeExcitementKit.com to get your free copy.

MPU is, of course, for Microsoft partners only, so this won't help most of us get our hands on the new Office. If, however, you do qualify for the offer, this is fantastic opportunity to score 2010 without opening your wallet. Sign up fast, because there's a limited (and unspecified) number of free copies available.

As for the rest of you -- sit tight! As we get wind of new ways to score Office 2010 for free (or at a discount), we'll make sure you hear about them.