Microsoft Front Page is dead? Office Live

Have you heard about the new Microsoft Office Live website design service/program/builder. Well, what can I say? You know how your mother told you that if you can’t say something nice that you shouldn’t say anything at all?

Okay, I’m going to try.

Pros:

Free
They offer a free version, they call it Live Basic.
Live Basic includes a free domain name, 5 email addresses and their “easy-to-use” web design tools. (okay, don’t make me start giggling here)

If you just need a web presence…
and you don’t have a lot of money, I guess this would work for you.

Cons:

How free is free?
You still have to give them a credit card to sign up for their free service. (Makes me wonder...)

Standards?
It’s sort of a glorified version of Front Page full of tables of embedded tables. Where’s the DIVs and CSS?

Domains Names?
If I decide that Office Live isn’t for me, can I keep my domain name or will M$ own it forever?

Where’s my FTP?
Everything is live, web-based and it’s basically a WYSIWYG

In summary?  They announced earlier this week they’re discontinuing Front Page… and Office Live is it’s replacement.  Is it the best option for a business needing a web presence? No.  Would I recommend it to anyone? Doubtful.

The best part of the website? Their articles section was entertaining.

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