As a small business owner, getting a Web site is crucial. Problem is, most Web hosting services can get pretty pricey. Surprisingly, Microsoft has an affordable Web site creation app. Office Live Small Business' package includes a Web site, domain name and business-branded e-mail. You’ll only need a computer and an Internet connection to begin. The private registration process hides your personal contact information from Internet hackers, spammers and telemarketers. Most importantly, you get a professional-looking site. However, if you decide to upload a picture, there’s no way to tell it will maintain the same quality if you resize it.
By using Office Live’s e-mail service, you can keep in touch with individual customers or send bulk e-mails to your mailing list. The e-mail system is compatible with Microsoft Outlook. And if you have a mobile device, you can send and receive e-mail when you’re out and about.
Office Live Small Business also comes with Office Live Workspace, which allows you to store and share documents online. We like that you can access documents from anywhere and the fact that it includes 5 GB of free online storage.
On the downside, users have complained about images maintaining their integrity when they get resized. There have also been some problems with the program’s integration with Hotmail accounts. All-in-all, Office Live promises a big bang for your buck.