MS-Office goes 'Online'

Microsoft has revealed more of its software-plus-services plan to better compete with online competitors, announcing new hosted services targeted at enterprise customers and small businesses.

In the coming months, Microsoft will roll out "Live" and "Online" service offerings, with the former aimed at consumers and small businesses, and the latter at larger businesses.

"The distinction between Live and Online was made in response to larger businesses asking for better articulation of the vendor's services strategy", said Eron Kelly, director of product management in Microsoft's business online services group.

Users are now invited to pre-register for Office Live Workspace, which allows those with Microsoft Office to access their Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents online.

Also Microsoft announced the start of Microsoft Exchange Labs, a research and development program intended to produce next-generation messaging and communication technologies. It will involve select universities and school districts, Microsoft said.