Microsoft has thrown open a challenge to Google Docs. It has launched Beta version of Microsoft Office Live Workspace. Here you can view, comment, and edit your office documents online without the need of any software being installed on your computer.

You can store 1000+ Microsoft Office documents in one place and can access them via internet from anywhere. You can even share documents with other people using host of features available.

Basic use is absolutely Free, as indicated by Microsoft service is supported by advertising and some advanced services may be charged at later stage.

To access the service you need an existing Windows Live ID or create a new one. No downloads are required, simply login and start using online workspace to work with Office documents.

Number of file types are supported, images, PDF files, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. However, EXE files are not support due to security concerns.

Office Live Workspace: Office Live - Sign up for Live ID

I am sure, this will be very useful to number of Microsoft Office users. Interesting part is, how good or bad it is from Google Docs? Need to wait for sometime for this discussion to begin. In the meantime, enjoy the online world !