Microsoft has redesigned its popular MSN portal, giving it social network integration and a new look.

In a PC World article, Microsoft said that the main aims of the update are to reduce clutter on the home page and to give it a more up-to-date look. Despite not being officially launched yet, Microsoft is giving users a look with a beta site up and running.

According to Businessweek.com, Microsoft will also be using the redesigned page to drive up search engine market share with its Bing search engine being given greater prominence on the site. The design of the portal also follows Bing's clean look and feel.

Taking their cue from Yahoo's success with social network apps, MSN will now offer a column on the right hand side of the page allowing users to check in on their Facebook, Twitter and Windows Live accounts, CNET News reported.

Microsoft will be playing the waiting game when it comes to rolling out more web apps on the site, with plans to roll out a few more apps based on Silverlight technology at a later date.

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