First Look at Shared View

Currently Microsoft's Shared View is free. So if you use Webex or a similar desktop sharing software you should consider Shared View.

But it is not cost that will drive Shared Views success, rather it is the simple and viral way it works and spreads.

Starting with a user with a Microsoft Live account, the user can do a click once install from the web:
http://www.connect.microsoft.com/content/content.aspx?SiteID=94&ContentID=6415

Then after logging in with their Live account they can create a sharing session. A simple way is provided to invite other users. Your email client is invoked with the invitation text, including link to session, already populated. You simply type in the email address.

When the invited party clicks on the link, the shared view comes up if they have it installed. Or if they do not have the Shared View installed, the web page for the click once install is brought up. Microsoft has really nailed the quick once install, it is quick and simple. After the install the shared session is launched.

At this point the original user approve the invitee and the session continues. The controls are both simple and intuitive.

What is interesting is the viral nature of Shared View. The only requirement is the coordinator of a sharing session must have a Microsoft Live ID. All other users will download the software, which is similiar to the Webex experience. This then puts them in the postion of hosting Shared View sessions. Simple, Easy, Viral.