Software maker Microsoft has previewed two internet-based software services: Windows Live and Microsoft Office Live. Windows Live is expected to extend the reach of Windows into the online world, while Office Live is targeted at small companies.
Live.com serves as the personalised starting point for Windows Live services, powered by technologies such as RSS and Asynchronous JavaScript and XML (AJAX).
Windows Live Mail is a web e-mail service. Existing MSN Hotmail users will be able to seamlessly upgrade to the service.
Windows Live Safety Centre is a website where users can scan and remove viruses from their PC on demand.
Windows One Care Live is a previously announced PC health subscription that helps protect and maintain PCs via an integrated service that includes anti-virus, firewall, PC maintenance and data backup and restore capability.
Windows Live Favourites is a service that enables individuals to access their Microsoft internet Explorer and MSN Explorer favourites from any PC thatﾴs online.
Windows Live will primarily be delivered free to users and supported by advertising, but subscription and transaction-based services will also be available. Windows Live extends the capabilities of Windows through standard mechanisms that are publicly available for use by the developer and partner community. Because Windows Live is available separately from the Microsoft Windows product, users will be able to run Windows with or without the Windows Live services.
The company has also previewed Office Live, a set of internet-based services for growing and managing a business online. The initial Office Live offerings are targeted at small businesses worldwide that have fewer than ten employees. These services can be used independently but also integrate with Microsoft Office programmes, including Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office Live Meeting and Microsoft Office Small Business Edition.
Office Live services initially will be released via an invitation-only beta in the US in early 2006.
