Microsoft revamps software-as-a-service offerings

Microsoft has introduced two subscription service suites as part of an overhaul of Microsoft Online Services

Microsoft has revamped the pricing and partner model for its software-as-a-service offerings.

The company today introduced two new subscription service suites as part of an overhaul of Microsoft Online Services.

Microsoft Online Services delivers software as subscription services hosted by Microsoft and sold with partners.

The offerings include Microsoft Exchange Online, Microsoft Office SharePoint Online, Microsoft Office Communications Online, Microsoft Office Live Meeting and Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online.

"Today we are taking an important next step in delivering Microsoft Online Services with a broad set of Microsoft partners that are crucial to bringing this solution to our customers," Stephen Elop, president of the Microsoft Business Division, said at the annual Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference in Houston.

"Microsoft Online Services is a key component of the software plus services initiative, and we are seeing customers, partners and even competitors embrace this flexible approach to the cloud."

Elop introduced Exchange Online Deskless Worker and SharePoint Online Deskless Worker designed to meet the needs of users who typically spend a small portion of their working day using a computer but still need to communicate and collaborate with colleagues and partners.

Exchange Online Deskless Worker will provide email, calendars, global address lists, antivirus and anti-spam filters, as well as Outlook Web Access Light for company email.

SharePoint Online Deskless Worker will provide access to SharePoint portal and team sites and search functionality, giving employees read-only access to information such as company policies, training and benefits.

A Deskless Worker Suite, including Exchange Online Deskless Worker and SharePoint Online Deskless Worker, will be available for $3 per user per month. Customers can also subscribe to each service independently.