Microsoft is touting an addition to its Windows Live offering that will download and install software allowing consumers to connect to multiple online services.

During his presentation at Microsoft's Financial Analysts Day last week, Kevin Johnson, president of Microsoft's Platform and Services Division, mentioned the Windows Live installer. He said that the software maker would begin beta testing it this summer.


He described it as a single download that will let consumers connect to multiple Live-branded hosted services, such as e-mail and messaging. People will be able to access these services from different devices, including PCs and phones, he said.

"This unified installation experience is one example of the more integrated experience we'll deliver with the next generation of Windows Live services," Johnson said.

Microsoft last month started beta testing two products that are part of what will be Windows Live suite: Windows Live Photo Gallery, which lets people organise and share photos on a PC and online, and online storage service Windows Live Folders.

In response to a question, Johnson argued that integration of Microsoft's Live services is a key selling point for the company.