Microsoft Intros Online Office/Security Subscription Service

Microsoft this morning announced the release of Equipt, a subscription-based combination of the company's popular Office suite and Live OneCare security solution.

The new suite, initially codenamed "Albany," combines a number of Microsoft applications into a single installation, including Office programs Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote; Windows Live apps Windows Live Mail, Windows Live Messenger and Windows Live Photo Gallery; and the new online document sharing program, Workspace.

"With Microsoft Equipt we're improving our customers' computing experience by giving them essential software in a package that offers an easy install and setup experience, as well as a convenient and affordable way to stay updated with the latest versions of Office and Windows Live OneCare," said Office's group product manager, Bryson Gordon.

The new suite, which will be available in some 700 Circuit City stores by the middle of July, will run $69.99 for a one year renewable subscription. That price will let users install the suite on three home PCs.