Microsoft’s own suite of web based office type applications will be available to a public beta November 15 — much quicker than some analysts had predicted in the fight for office application supremacy (in the other corner, Google, naturally, with its recently promoted suite of products, including docs, spreadsheets, calendar etc etc).

In addition to the usual modules, of noticeable interest is that it will also be offering

• free hosting for web pages
• integration with Messenger for instant messaging
• as well as integration with their off-line offering Accounting 2007.

And in what may be the equivalent of a metal chair in this cage match, they’re also introducing the ability to purchase online ads to drive traffic, presumably, to that free hosted site. [Courtesy of InfoAge]

… Office Live adManager, which lets users purchase online advertising for Microsoft’s msn.com and Windows Live Search properties, said Baris Cetinok, director of product management for Office Live. And in the next six months, the company also plans to add the ability to let users purchase ads for search engines from Google, Yahoo, Ask.com, and Local.com, he said

It looks as though Microsoft is attempting to differentiate itself in at least one key way — enabling small businesses from the outset to gain an on-line presence through an integrated “office” solution. That is, it seems like its more than Google’s current attempt which currently targets the individual office worker. And, with all its forays outside of search, hosting is one chestnut that Google has yet to have a go at.
Will this help Microsoft get their mojo back? Well, check back after November 15th and we’ll let you know!

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