HOT! It's Back! Microsoft - FREE Web Site, Domain Name, Company Branded Email and More with Microsoft Office Live!

[Apex]

HOT!  This has been HUGELY popular, so popular in fact
that they asked us to stop posting it!  However, they just decided a few
minutes ago to bring it back, so get in while you can!  Get a FREE website,
domain name, company branded email, and more through the Microsoft Office Live
Basics Beta.  It's now supposed to last until 9/20/06, but considering it's a
lot of services for $0 and they've already stopped it once, there's a good
chance it may end early.&nbsp; <b>
<a target="_blank" href="http://deals.gotapex.com/?MQPTGMXM">MICROSOFT OFFICE
LIVE BASICS FREE BETA</a></b>

[pd123]

Why is it asking for a credit card when I go to sign up? Will I be charged? I don' like giving out my credit card.

[Jeffbx]

Nope, you won't be charged. From the site:


Why do you need my credit card for a free subscription?

Even though Microsoft® Office Live is a free service during the beta period, we still require a credit card in order to validate that every customer is a legitimate entity. We are concerned for two reasons:
Microsoft wants to help mitigate fraud and strives to ensure that the Web sites we provide for our small business customers are for valid purposes. Requiring a valid credit card is intended to decrease the likelihood that malicious users will sign up.

Web site scams, such as "phishing" or spamming, often use fictitious Web sites to deceive consumers into disclosing credit card numbers, bank account information, Social Security numbers, passwords, or other sensitive information. We limit the number of offers to one per credit card number as added protection against malicious users signing up for our service.

We also require a credit card to facilitate payment of services during the beta (e.g., the purchase of additional domain names) as well as at the conclusion of the beta period, when customers will be asked if they would like to continue using our services on a paid, monthly subscription basis. With your explicit permission, we can establish monthly billing using your credit card information. You will be able to continue using our services without interruption and without having to submit additional account information.

They're only charging for the Office Live Collaboration and Office Live Essentials after the beta. Office Live Basics is free during and after (according to the site, anyway)

[pd123]

I signed up for this for my daughter. I see it will start charging $29.95 a month when the beta is over. Any idea how long that will be? I think it may not be a breeze to cancel when the time comes.