People have been talking about cloud computing, cloud storage, cloud networking – and on and on – for some time now, but with its newest offering, Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS),  Microsoft Online Services has set the standard for cloud connectivity, encompassing computing, storage, networking, and pretty much anything else you could wish for.  The functionality of Office mainstays like Exchange, Communicator and SharePoint are included and integrated so it’s actually more like using one all-inclusive application instead of many.

After sign-in, the icon for the application stays open on your toolbar and you simply right-click to access any of the included services.  The company portal is also accessible and allows you to download necessary software (for instance, .Net is a requirement for BPOS) and enter SharePoint intranet sites and Live Meeting rooms.

Live Meeting has some particularly cool options, including the ability to record audio and video, view all attendees in panorama view (making everyone appear to be sitting across the same table from you even though they’re in multiple locations), and a number of meeting planning and management options.  SharePoint Services online offers something even cooler: the ability to view your Microsoft Outlook OWA mailbox right in the SharePoint homepage – no more multiple browser pages!

There are many more features available, so check it out if you’re intersted.  Microsoft is currently offering a free one-month trial of BPOS to anyone interested in sampling its cloud productivity services, and Microsoft partners are able to secure a one-year, 250-seat license for free.  Can’t beat that deal ….