Times Online last week launched a test version of the free digital archive, which will provide content produced by The Times, The Sunday Times and Times Online published since 1785.
Times Online owner News Corporation is using technology from search company Fast to help power the service, which will initially be free to users and is likely to include expanded content from the test version.
It is understood that the free model will be reviewed in the future, with the possibility of some parts of the package being offered on a paid-for basis.
The Times already offers a library-focused archive, providing some content between 1785 and 1985.
Many in the industry had expected it to launch a more widely available consumer archive some time ago.
Both The Guardian and The Scotsman already offer online archives.
A spokesperson for The Times said: "The archive is in beta-testing and we are very pleased with progress so far."
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