A Year Ago: Microsoft launches UK Expedia

European e-commerce gets a much needed boost today with the launch of Microsoft's online travel-agency, Expedia .

According to company officials the UK site is the first in a series of European launches scheduled for next year.

Expedia allows users to buy tickets, book hotels, make car reservations etc. and is backed up by an editorial team devoted to writing travel tips and articles on destinations offered by the site.

It will compete with the likes of Thomas Cook and Travelocity.