Innovative Technology Weblog

Microsoft has launched a lite version of whats in fact an easy Sharepoint ‘teamsite’ like tool…. all you need is a Microsoft Live account to get you started….

Your starting point could be compared to the ‘MySites’ function in SPS containing  a ‘Documents’ folder and the option to add a new workspace. Workspaces can of course be shared with other users; and contain a few basic tools…

an overview of the documents window:

Documents can easily be uploaded. If you choose to upload multiple documents, an active-x control is installed adding the workspace location to your save as list…….. another add-on enables you to save documents or spreadsheets directly from these applications to a Live workspace… ! full office-integration with an easy link to online storage…..

What can we do in the documents window or a workspace ? well, add stuff of course !! Only office formats and a few other items unfortunately…Versioning is enabled by default; and the workspace also includes a recycle bin.

Different types of workspaces can be created, but they all use the same basic tools.

The contact list can be managed from the workspace, and used in Outlook. Its not possible to add any items in the Outlook view.

I was able to add a task list and tasks, but didn’t get them in my Outlook… seems this isnt working yet but could be client-side.. (probably is…)

Every item can be commented, and other users of the workspace can click and read these posts. Each item has its own comments sidebar. No discussion functionality…. (comments are not threaded and earlier ones can be deleted without any problem)

Proof that its all a lean and mean sharepoint site in very slick skin in the end….

Very nice stuff ! still in Beta, but this is very promising for the future !

Martijn