Remember back (he said ironically) when Google was releasing alternatives to Microsoft Office?

Well today, Microsoft released *its* alternative to Google Apps -- Windows Live Desktop Suite.

Not too long ago, we took an in-depth look at Google's office tools (10 Steps To Move Your Office Apps to Google).

Microsoft has built an alternative to the alternative -- it's approach, however, is to not just deliver Web-based tools but to also integrate those tools back into its desktop-based Office products.

Microsoft's new Windows Live Desktop Suite includes Windows Live Mail (email), Windows Live Messenger (IM), Windows Live Writer (blog writing tool), Windows Live Photo Gallery (photo management), Windows Live Spaces (blog hosting), Windows Live Events (Evite-alternative) and Windows OneCare (security).

CNET has a preview of the service here.