As Microsoft firmly sets foot into the next stage of evolution for Windows Live suite of products and services, the company has also debuted a brand new email address option for end users. So far, the MSN and Hotmail were the sole alternatives when it came down to Microsoft's email services, now @live.com addresses are up for grabs. In addition, @live.* email addresses in accordance to various domains across the world are also available (you will be able to find a list at the bottom of this article), of course, with the inherent caveats - as Windows Live Hotmail Program Manager, Ellie Powers-Boyle explained.

The fact of the matter is that while users will indeed be getting a new email address courtesy of Microsoft, they will also have a shot at a fresh start, as the Redmond company has put it, giving a positive spin on the situation. This essentially means users will not be permitted access to their old Windows Live items that have become associated with their current Windows Live IDs.

The most problematic in this context are existing Windows Live Hotmail along with Widows Live Messenger, and Windows Live Spaces accounts. Via the Redmond company's Windows Live ID system, these services are governed by existing @MSN and @Hotmail email addresses. A @Live.com address will mean a completely new email account and Windows Live Messenger presence to go along with it, as well as a fresh space on Windows Live Spaces.

When it comes down to Windows Live Spaces, the users' options are limited. A new Windows Live ID will be synonymous with a new space and there is no way of connecting with existing presences on Windows Live Spaces. As far as Windows Live Messenger is concerned, Microsoft advises users to export all contacts from the current account and import them under the new address in the instant messaging client. This will mean that you will have to actively re-invite each one of your friends in the contact list.

Microsoft is however offering a comprehensive set of options that will enable users to bridge @Live addresses with @MSN and @Hotmail. Through Linked IDs, users can easily and effortlessly switch between email accounts while keeping track of multiple Windows Live IDs. A better alternative is to implement TrueSwitch in order to transfer completely over to the new account. In addition, Hotmail also provides the possibility of forwarding your emails to another address. Users have to keep in mind that transitioning to a @Live.com email address affects not only @MSN and @Hotmail users but also those with Microsoft Passport accounts.

Below you can find a list of all the possible @Live domains (courtesy of LiveSide):

Country - Domain
Argentina - live.com.ar
Australia - live.com.au
Austria - live.at
Belgium - live.be
Canada - live.ca
Chile - live.cl
China - live.cn
Denmark - live.dk
Finland - windowslive.com
France - live.fr
Germany - live.de
Hong Kong - live.hk
Indonesia - windowslive.com
Ireland - live.ie
Italy - live.it
Japan - live.jp
Korea - live.co.kr
Malaysia - live.com.my
Mexico - live.com.mx
Netherlands - live.nl
Norway - live.no
Pakistan - live.com.pk
Peru - live.com.pe
Portugal - live.com.pt
Russia - live.ru
Singapore - live.com.sg
Aouth Africa - live.co.za
Sweden - live.se
Switzerland - windowslive.com
Thailand - windowslive.com
Turkey - windowslive.com
UK - live.co.uk
USA - live.com
Vietnam - windowslive.com