Microsoft Corp. today rolled out Microsoft� Small Business +, a suite of free, personalized online resources and technical support offerings � including a 45-day free trial of unlimited advanced technical support options that customers can choose to purchase � designed to help small businesses succeed in applying technology in their businesses. Fueled by customer feedback, Small Business + is evidence of Microsoft�s continued commitment to delivering solutions and resources designed for small businesses.

�It can be tempting to just throw new technology at small businesses, but that�s not the way to succeed,� said Ray Boggs, vice president for small and medium business research at IDC. �After all, the majority of firms with under 50 employees don�t have full-time IT staff, and can get very frustrated very quickly when things don�t work as planned. Microsoft Small Business + provides a lifeline for when problems develop and, just as important, it will build greater customer confidence in using new technology � and also in turning to Microsoft for answers even before questions come up.�

Small Business + is an extension of Microsoft�s Small Business Center Web site, which provides a broad array of resources for small companies. Small Business + builds on this foundation to provide members with a personalized experience. Customers complete a short registration to join, gaining free access to some offerings that are personalized to their needs based on their registration information. Small Business + can be accessed in the United States at http://www.microsoft.com/smallbusiness. It will also be available in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.