Microsoft Extends Web Services to SMBsMicrosoft Extends Web Services to SMBs

Later this year, SMBs will be able to get their hands on Microsoft's online subscription-based e-mail and collaboration software.To date, Microsoft had limited its Exchange and SharePoint Web services to companies with more than 5,000 customers. By broadening the eligible subscriber base, Microsoft is positioning itself to take on Google, Salesforce.com and a host of startups that rent out their servers for applications instead of the more costly alternative of a company having to buy both the hardware and software itself.

Beginning today, Microsoft will open a beta test version of Exchange Online, SharePoint Online and Office Communications Server Online to companies of all sizes. "The combination of software plus services gives customers advanced choice and flexibility in how they access and manage software," Microsoft chairman Bill Gates said in a statement.

Microsoft will also begin to offer a free download of Search Server 2008 Express -- software that allows companies to search files and documents inside their network a la Google's Search Appliance.PC Pro, information