Microsoft rebrands Tahiti collaboration service as 'Shared View'

Microsoft quietly has made its small-group collaboration service, code-named "Tahiti," available for public download.

Version 8.0.2729.1 of what is now known as "Shared View" allows "up to 15 people in different locations" to share what's on their screens. According to text on Microsoft's download Web site, the service works on Windows XP SP2, Vista Home Premium and Ultimate, and Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 systems.

"Microsoft SharedView is a fast and easy way to share documents and screen views with small groups of friends or coworkers; anytime, anywhere. Use SharedView to put your heads together and collaborate," the download site text adds.

In March, Microsoft began testing Tahiti via a closed pre-beta. At that time, it looked as though Microsoft might be planning to make Tahiti available as part of its Office Live family of offerings. It looked and felt like a light version of Office Live Meeting, Microsoft's hosted collaboration service for mid-size and large businesses.