Microsoft Backtracks on Free Web Domains for Small Businesses

Microsoft (MSFT) said it will no longer offer free domain renewals to small business as part of Office Live.

The software company had been giving out custom domains for no charge with the Office Live Small Business service since 2006.

Beginning Oct. 1., users will need to pay $14.95 to renew their domains each year.

Microsoft said it feels this price is competitive in the marketplace and that the service still includes several other services for free such as a private domain registration and 5GB personalized email accounts.

See Microsoft's FAQs on the policy change for more information.