Software upstart Intellext has joined forces with Microsoft. Intellext have developed the automated Watson search tool, which will be available as an add-on for Microsoft’s MSN Desktop Search.

The Watson add-on is available for a free 30-day trial. However, a subscription to Watson costs $9.95 a month or $100 a year. The Watson software also is available at Intellext, though not as an integrated tool.

The Watson add-on for MSN Desktop Search is a sidebar that displays links to information as the user works with Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Outlook and Internet Explorer.

You don’t have to type a query – Watson analyses your activities in the background and searches a wide array of sources for relevant information. Watson does not extract, store or transmit information any of this information.

Watson’s information sources include search engines, news sites, blogs, research services, and desktop search applications. You can configure Watson to search your favorite sources and there are options to refine your search.

Consumers satisfied with single-word searches on Google, will perhaps not feel the need for a subscription to Watson. Professionals in knowledge intense industries, on the other hand, might find it to be convenient.

Watson doesn’t work with all kinds of programs, and it seems mostly to support Microsoft software.