Stepping into the ring with YouTube, Microsoft has released the beta version of MSN Soapbox, a video upload service that is aiming to give YouTube a run for its money.

In the style of its rival, Soapbox allows viewers to upload videos, categorize and label them, and watch them in much the same style of YouTube. One of the added perks is that Soapbox visitors can watch videos and browse for new ones at the same time, and all digital formats are compatible.

Soapbox first made its beta debut in September, but only until now has it been made available to the general internet community for sampling.

Google's purchase of YouTube in October ratcheted up the competitive stakes with Microsoft and overshadowed the software giant's two-year-old plans to develop its Live services offerings, which over time will take the place of MSN with new email and instant messaging products.

Microsoft has said in the past that it is focused on ramping up its internet presence to keep pace with competitors, including Google.

Many analysts are skeptical that Microsoft will be able to take market share away from Google any time soon, especially in the user generated content arena.

Microsoft is due to address the rollout of its news services at an investor meeting in New York on Thursday.