Microsoft's new Live Search has gone live. Live Search is the Redmond company's search engine offered as an alternative to MSN back in 2005. However, an alternative designed to grow to be complementary with MSN, while at the same time becoming the foundation for Microsoft's Software plus Services business strategy. Live Search, as well as the additional plethora of products and services bundled together under the Windows Live brand umbrella, is not only the company's online evolution of the Windows client, but also a platform in themselves. And in this context, Windows Live has not shifted a single inch from Microsoft's initial vision of its cloud operating system.

Windows Live debuted as a beta all the way back in November 2005. "Live.com will become the place to seamlessly access other Windows Live services and will serve as a great place to experience Windows Live Search. Live.com will deliver a new, innovative, search-driven experience that will make it an effective place to perform Internet searches. Live.com will also be a platform for third-party developers to build and deliver customized services, called 'gadgets' to customers," Microsoft revealed two years ago. The availability of Windows Live was followed by the release of Live Search in 2006.

In June 2007, Chris Jones, corporate vice president, Windows Live Experience Program Management, made it clear that Microsoft was advancing Windows Live into the next phase. Central to the evolution of Windows Live was the availability of a unified Windows Live installer, designed to integrate into a single download all the products in the company's cloud operating system. Microsoft also introduced new stages of development for a range of its product. New beta versions of Windows Live Messenger, Photo Gallery, Mail and Writer were delivered to accompany the unified installer for Windows Live.

And last but certainly not least, the Redmond company also delivered a fresh look and feel to Windows Live destinations. First off, the home page for Windows Live was redesigned, after which, Live Search was also overhauled. The default page for Live Search now connects users with Live Maps, MSN, as well as Hotmail, Spaces and OneCare, while Windows Live Messenger is but a click away. And all the signs indicate that the revamping of Windows Live is far from over.

It appears that Microsoft's in the cloud storage service SkyDrive will offer an intimate connection with the Windows client, when the first version will go live. Additionally, in November, Microsoft will launch new versions of the following Windows Live applications: Messenger 8.5, Mail, Writer, Photo Gallery, Family Safety, as well as these services: Hotmail, Events, Skydrive and Live Search 2.0.