THE NEXT VERSION of Microsoft's MSN Internet access software is due for release by the end of the year and for some users will sport a significant new feature -- a price tag.

The company is readying the release of MSN 8.0, its password-protected Internet software that allows users to access MSN e-mail accounts, news and entertainment content and browse the Web. Along with its Internet access service, the software competes against that of America Online. 

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