Microsoft Talks About Equipt

Equipt’s Welcome Center serves as an easy jumping-off point to get started with each product.

The company will soon launch a software suite, which includes Office, Windows Live OneCare, and more.

Microsoft just announced Microsoft Equipt, which the company describes as “an all-in-one security and productivity software subscription service.”

Initially billed under the code-name “Albany,” the service provides Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007, Windows Live OneCare, Windows Live tools and Office Live Workspace in one package. It will also automatically upgrade the service, as new versions of each product are released.

Office features will include the latest versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and One Note. Windows Live allows users to connect to friends via Messenger, Windows Live Mail or photo galleries. Office Live Workspace will allow users to save and share documents via a workspace on the web.

Microsoft Equipt will initially be available exclusively through Circuit City. It will launch mid-July for $69.99 (for one year). Each sub will cover up to three home PCs.

“Microsoft Equipt delivers on an unmet customer need for an easy way to get the essential productivity and security software in an all-in-one package,” said Elliot Becker, VP and general merchandise manager of technology for Circuit City. “And with the added benefit of getting the latest software as part of the Microsoft Equipt subscription, we expect this service to be a runaway hit.”