Home Microsoft Announces The Live Era

Microsoft Announces The Live Era

Microsoft just announced its new Web-based Windows and ‘software as a service’ strategies. After first announcing the Xbox 360 will be
released on Nov 22 in North America, Gates talked about their new
“Live” brand (thanks Mike
from TechCrunch for the news
– he has pictures
too). The “Live” era will encompass the “Software Plus
Services” strategy and is all about providing “seamless experiences”. Their goal is “Building Live Software”. The brand will encompass Windows Live and
Office Live – integration with the Web.

This is Microsoft’s Web 2.0 strategy,
except substitute the word “Live” for that term.

Mike has more details:

“Came back on stage at 10:37, announced Windows Live and Office Live.


Windows Live: Primarily ad supported. Does not kill off MSN.


Office Live: ìinternet based services for growing and managing your business online.î extensible, thousands of partners. ad supported level with tier above requiring subscription.”

Dan Farber has the news
too
: “In opening the event today, Bill Gates said that every five years Microsoft looks at its strategy and makes big betsñ1990 was Windows, the Web in 1995 and Web Services .Net in 2000. The next big bet, Gates said, is delivering new type of software experience, called “live software.”
[…] Sounds like a bit of Web 2.0 mixed with Microsoft’s live naming themeñLive Meeting, XBox Live. Services = Software, in a broad way, from hosted services like email and CRM to MSN and mapping mashups.”

Photos from Mike Arrington.
More to come on the news, as I get details…

Update: See my follow-up post about Live.com. I’ll also write some analysis later on in the day, when I’ve got the full picture.

About ReadWrite’s Editorial Process

The ReadWrite Editorial policy involves closely monitoring the tech industry for major developments, new product launches, AI breakthroughs, video game releases and other newsworthy events. Editors assign relevant stories to staff writers or freelance contributors with expertise in each particular topic area. Before publication, articles go through a rigorous round of editing for accuracy, clarity, and to ensure adherence to ReadWrite's style guidelines.

Get the biggest tech headlines of the day delivered to your inbox

    By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe anytime.

    Tech News

    Explore the latest in tech with our Tech News. We cut through the noise for concise, relevant updates, keeping you informed about the rapidly evolving tech landscape with curated content that separates signal from noise.

    In-Depth Tech Stories

    Explore tech impact in In-Depth Stories. Narrative data journalism offers comprehensive analyses, revealing stories behind data. Understand industry trends for a deeper perspective on tech's intricate relationships with society.

    Expert Reviews

    Empower decisions with Expert Reviews, merging industry expertise and insightful analysis. Delve into tech intricacies, get the best deals, and stay ahead with our trustworthy guide to navigating the ever-changing tech market.