Microsoft-hosted all-in-one service suite due out next month

Microsoft is putting the finishing touches on its suite of Microsoft-hosted services known as the Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS).

Microsoft is going to deliver a near-final Release Candidate test build of BPOS on September 26 and is telling users that a final build of the BPOS product should be released within 30 days, according to a September 25 posting to the Microsoft Online Services blog. From the new entry:

"On that date, BPOS will be available for purchase in the United States. Those that are in the BPOS TAP (Technology Adoption Program) program or are current Beta users will continue to enjoy the service free of charge until 30 days after GA (general availability)."

BPOS is a bundle of Microsoft Exchange Online, Microsoft SharePoint Online, Microsoft Office Live Meeting conferencing, Microsoft Office Communications Online (the hosted version of Office Communications Server) and the Microsoft Online Administration Center management portal.

Microsoft is marketing its Microsoft-hosted services to customers of all sizes, not just large enterprises, which were the initial target of the offering.