More info about Live.com..
Microsoft Corp. on Tuesday announced on-line versions of its Windows
operating system and other popular software programs, hoping to defuse
a growing threat from Google Inc. and other fast-moving challengers.
With a new website called "Windows Live," Microsoft hopes to create a
new platform that will unfasten some of its applications from a
computer hard drive.
The change reflects Microsoft's recognition of the growing demand for
applications and services that can be used from any place, at any time,
as the lines between the home and office blur and portable computing
devices become more powerful.
"It's a revolution in how we think about software," Microsoft Chairman
Bill Gates told reporters and industry analysts Tuesday. "This is a big
change for...every part of the ecosystem."
In many cases, Windows Live - available at Live.com - will offer
souped-up versions of services like on-line mapping and instant
messaging that have long been available on Microsoft's MSN.com, a
heavily trafficked site that will continue to operate.
Gates emphasized that neither Windows Live nor another service called
Windows Office will replace the operating system or other popular
applications, such as word processing and spreadsheets, sold on disks
that are installed on individual hard drives.
Microsoft also plans to continue to operate MSN.com, a heavily
trafficked website that inspired many of the features included in the
Windows Live website.
Windows Live will be offered for free and try to make money from the
rapidly expanding on-line advertising market that has been fueling the
explosive growth of Google and Yahoo Inc., providing them with the
financial and intellectual firepower to challenge the world's largest
software maker.
Microsoft also plans to charge monthly fees for some of the Live Office
features aimed primarily at small businesses - a subscription model
that has been a boon so far for on-line software pioneers like
Salesforce.com Inc., NetSuite Inc. and RightNow Technologies Inc.
http://news.com.com/Windows+Live+rooted+in+MSNs+past/2100-1016_3-5931...
Regards,
Satheesh
