Microsoft has unveiled its Office Accounting Express 2007 software and made it available as a free download. 

The application targets small businesses and start-ups that perform book-keeping tasks on paper or using Excel spreadsheets.

The Microsoft application is available for free and users can access integrated premium services for a fee. Premium services can link with eBay, for example, or offer Equifax credit checks.

Microsoft has essentially split its Office Accounting Express 2006 into two separate products.

The Express 2007 version targets smaller companies, while the forthcoming Office Accounting Professional 2007 is aimed at firms with more complex needs such as inventory management, support for multiple currencies and multi-user access.

The Professional version is slated for availability in early 2007 for $149. It too will have optional premium services.