Back in May 2006, we posted an article telling you about what Windows Live ID Sign-in Assistant was. Up until now this software only offered the ability to save multiple credentials (Windows Live IDs) on their machine as an Internet Explorer add-on. Microsoft recently released Windows Live ID Sign-in Assistant 6.5 beta for Windows 7, allowing users now to link their Windows Live ID with their Windows 7 user account.

Here’s what the official download page describes this product as:

The Windows Live ID Sign-in Assistant 6.5 (Beta) installs the Windows Live ID online provider for Windows 7. By making it possible to link a Windows Live ID to a Windows 7 user account, this online provider helps enable Windows 7 applications to deliver great features like sharing documents, pictures, music, and video.

Through the online provider, the Sign-in Assistant helps a Windows 7 application running on one computer identify and communicate with other computers that are associated with the same Windows Live ID. Just by linking your Windows Live ID to the user account on each Windows 7 computer you own, you enable those computers to identify each other and work together more easily than has been possible in the past. Applications can take advantage of this capability to support scenarios as in the following example:

On his homegroup, Bob wants to share certain documents with his wife but not with his kids. Simply by specifying his wife’s Windows Live ID user name, Bob can give his wife exclusive permission to access documents on his computer.

Click here to visit Microsoft Download Centre for Windows Live ID Sign-in Assistant 6.5 beta for Windows 7. Remember, this is exclusive to Windows 7 users only.

Thanks to Picturepan2 at LiveSino.net for the heads up and screenshot!