Windows Live
On August 25, 2006, Microsoft began seeking testers for their invitation-only Windows Live service named "Windows Live Essentials". It was very similar to Google Pack in that it allows users to discover, install, and maintain a number of Windows Live application programs. However, the original "Windows Live Essentials" was referred to as the website serving the purpose of allowing users to discover new Windows Live services. The "Windows Live Essentials" website was integrated tightly with "Windows Live Dashboard", an application which offers a view of the services the user already has and what new Windows Live software and services are available. Windows Live Dashboard required users to sign-in with their Windows Live ID to check whether the service has been downloaded or not. At that time, web-based services such as Windows Live Hotmail (then "Windows Live Mail") was also part of the list.