Today Microsoft have launched Office 365, a cloud based service that includes Microsoft Office, SharePoint Online, Exchange Online and Lync Online.

Designed for the business user, Microsoft say Office 365 will make working with different devices and collaborating with colleagues securely, easier. It has launched the beta in 13 countries around the world.

President of the Office Division at Microsoft, Kurt DelBene said:

"With Office 365, your local bakery can get enterprise-calibre software and services for the first time, while a multinational pharmaceutical company can reduce costs and more easily stay current with the latest innovations."

Businesses with less than 25 employees can have their office ready in under 15 minutes running Office Web Apps, Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Lync Online and an external website in just 15 minutes, for $6 a month, according to Microsoft.

For larger businesses, Office 365 offers more choice which would cost $2 per user per month for basic e-mail. Microsoft said it gives companies the choice to get Microsoft Professional Plus desktop software on a "pay-as-you-go" basis for the first time ever.

Additionally, Microsoft will bundle Office Professional Plus, e-mail, voicemail, enterprise social networking, instant messaging, web portals, extranets, voice conferencing and video conferencing, web conferencing, 24x7 phone support and on-premises licenses for $24 per user per month.

Apart from the 13 countries involved in the beta, Microsoft said it would have the final product available worldwide next year.