Microsoft on Thursday posted its revamped Windows SharePoint Services to its download site, where Windows Server 2003 users can retrieve it free of charge.

Windows SharePoint Services 3.0, an add-on to the server software, serves as a basic Web application development platform and concentrates on collaboration and information sharing. Like its predecessor, version 2.0, the just-released SharePoint is largely a plug-and-play and template-based tool for creating simple portals and intranets.

New to SharePoint Services 3.0, says Microsoft, are RSS and blog support, integration with the upcoming Office 2007 suite, and more granular security provisions to lock down individual documents.

Although the service software is available immediately, a set of 40 application design templates won't appear until early next year. The templates, which include designs for HR, sales, and project-tracking applications, will also be available for free download.

Office 2007 is scheduled to move into retail on Jan. 30, along with Windows Vista, and it's expected that the templates will be posted on that day or soon after.