SharePoint360 uses SharePoint to enable organizations to create and maintain their own websites in a matter of hours, with built-in Web 2.0 features such as blogs, calendars, alerts, RSS feeds, wikis and search capabilities.

In March, Microsoft began offering the beta program for its Online Services offering, a version of Exchange and SharePoint hosted by Microsoft and delivered as a service.

The hosted solution enables all staff members to access the service without the need for a webmaster, an FTP site, web design software or entry-level programming skills.

"The old model of having an outside design firm controlling your site and your ongoing updates is antiquated, inefficient and can be very frustrating and costly," says Paul West, one of the principals for SharePoint360. "With SharePoint360 Web, we demystify the design and maintenance process so that the customer is in complete command of one of the most important aspects of their business -- their website."

SharePoint360 web plans range from basic to custom-designed sites that allow customers to manage and maintain content.

Once securing a domain name, customers can choose to create either a basic or sophisticated site by using a standard template, or customize their sites to suit specific requirements. Companies can take things even further by using Microsoft Web design software, SharePoint Designer.

Once the customer's website is up and running, non-technical users can continue to manage the system, performing ongoing updates in seconds.

The site's administrator can sign in and post documents in real time, while new pages can be created and added in minutes, and images can be uploaded using a SharePoint360 Photo Webpart.