Microsoft Ends Office Live Beta, Beckons Paying Customers

More than 160,000 users tried the Office Live beta, according to Microsoft. The service, targeted at businesses with 10 or fewer employees, offers Web site construction and traffic-monitoring tools, e-mail accounts and business applications like contact management and accounting software.

Microsoft is emphasizing Office Live's channel-friendliness by encouraging solution providers to build industry-specific and customized versions for their customers.

However, the Redmond, Wash., software giant has struck a few broad alliances that could compete with channel sales. Best Buy will be selling Office Live in its stores and offering customer support for the service through its Geek Squad operation, and Toshiba and Sony will include Office Live links in their PCs.

Office Live comes in three versions, starting with a free Basic edition. For $19.95 per month, the Essentials version adds more Web and e-mail space and includes Microsoft's Business Contact Manager software. The $39.95-per-month Premium edition features additional online applications for managing customers, employees and projects.

With its U.S. service launched, Microsoft is moving on to international previews. Next week, the company plans to open Office Live to beta customers in Japan, France and the United Kingdom.