Microsoft aims WebMatrix at site novices

Free, open and easy to use, claims company

Microsoft has released a free open source-style web design tool which, the company claims, can be used by novices to create functional web sites.

WebMatrix will initially provide around 120 pre-coded templates and Microsoft has promised to add more, including integration with web apps such as PayPal and Facebook.

Once the site has been created, users are given a choice of hosting options from up to 30 providers.

More than 30 open-source providers have come out in support of WebMatrix, including content management system developer Joomla.