Microsoft enters online applications market with Live Services

Microsoft enters online applications market with Live Services

Apparently, Microsoft has now realized that online applications are a reality and they cannot stay away from it any longer otherwise; they would be left behind as they did with internet technologies and web searching. The company has unveiled Web services based on its flagship Windows and Office products as they now plan to deliver software over the Internet and cash in on a fast-growing market currently dominated by smaller companies on the internet.

Microsoft held a gathering for analysts and media held in San Francisco where their chairperson Bill Gates displayed their “live software” that aims to make software a service, linking all digital media, applications, and devices. They currently aim to monetize the service through online advertisement which has somewhat made Google from a search engine to a major threat for the company.

They have further plans to offer specialized services for a subscription in the future to generate revenues from this online platform. One of the services being offered is the “Windows Live” service that combines things like instant messaging from its MSN service, email and a service for creating blogs. The company seems to be inspired by startups like Salesforce.com, which have shown that online web services can be very innovative and profitable.