• November 2, 2005

Microsoft Tuesday announced the upcoming release of a pair of Web-based software services to support Microsoft Office--a move that could be positioning the company for an upcoming battle with Google and Sun Microsystem's OpenOffice.

The first service, dubbed Windows Live, will include a new e-mail service, Windows Live Mail, a new instant messenger, Windows Live Messenger, and a virus removal and security service. The second service, Office Live, will include services aimed at helping owners of businesses with fewer than 10 employees manage their businesses with Microsoft Office. The services will include a Web site building utility, as well as a set of subscription business management applications.

Office Live and Windows Live will be ad-supported, although subscription- and transaction- based payment will also be available.

--Shankar Gupta