Last week saw Microsoft begin to roll a new software package and related support services designed for small businesses.

Small Business Plus, which is to be introduced in eight countries, is specifically designed around a company's own needs as firms receive personalised content and assistance based on information they supply when signing-up with Microsoft.

Support for the product is initially available for free, although should technical queries, discussed with Microsoft employees online, become complex, businesses will be required to pay for further help.

Web-based training is available as part of the product and covers both technical issues and business-related subjects.

Doug Leland, general manager for small business at Microsoft's worldwide small and midsize solutions and partner group, announced the roll-out on Friday.

The system went live in the UK, US, Australia and Canada yesterday and will continue into Germany and the Netherlands by the end of the month.


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