A few weeks ago there was a lot of talk about a new portal (I would argue a new tool that helped you get a nicer start page in your browser) called NetVibes. It was fully AJAX based, ie you could move windows around neatly, add objects to your page such as RSS feeds, and it used really nice graphics for the weather (similar to the Konfabulator ones).
Nice, developped by 2 French guys in their garage somehow in an object oriented language. Many out there cried for genius, including Marc Canter, who later retracted. I liked it, but I thought it was really not a major breakthrough. Packages such as Backbase have been offering it for a while now.
Tonight, I got an email from Microsoft’s PR (I really am loving this thing of being assimilated to the press for hot news – thanks guys keep it coming I appreciate it) announcing this breaking news: after a rather pale start with – duh – start.com, Microsoft launches an AJAX portal called Windows Live. It does all of the above mentionned plus an extra stuff. Techcrunch has already a great review up, so I’ll quote:
“Windows Live is a free, ad-supported AJAX virtual desktop. Most of the functionality could be seen in the Microsoft sandbox project called Start, which we profiled a couple of months ago.
However, Microsoft has added plenty of new features that add a lot of vaue to the product. Among them are email integration, a new instant messaging client, and skype-like features that allow outgoing calls to normal POTS phones. Windows Live is also extensible via “gadgets”. After what I saw today, I despair for many a silicon valley startup. Seriously.”
He goes on to describe some more stuff, and finishes with “I want to repeat, what really got me today was the Gadget extensibility and the full VOIP IM integration. ”
I have to say that I’m not too impressed: indeed it’s great that MSFT is doing it (hey I hear of another start-up using a similar interface through the grapevine), and their graphics are kinda lousy. However I have to agree totally with Michael from Techcrunch: if many startups thought that they were going to make a living out of this, then forget it. It is a feature, not even a product, even less a solution. Microsoft might make it into a product, actually they have, with the second part of their announcement: Office Live. Hey ASP is back. To me this is a clear blow to all the AJAX based office productivity software out there, and a way for MSFT to show that they are atune *now* to what is happening on the web, and catching up on anything that might jeopardize their marketshare.
I’m not big fan of monopolies, as I think that competition fosters innovation, better prices, better service, etc. But if Microsoft keeps on catching up with all the guys, then innovation will only come from Seattle… Naah. Probably a too dark picture here.
But if your read Slashdot’s comment, you might get a second thought:
“Office Live will come in both ad-based and subscription versions that augment MS' Office suite. The programs won't replace the paid software but instead seem aimed at diminishing Google's ad revenue. ”
Anyways folks, the discussion is raging at tech.memeorandum, give a look, check the stuff, and tell me that you want ubiquitous WIFI wherever you go (think Martin’s fon service) so that you can use it; otherwise you’re stuck to plain old Office on your laptop…
PS: by the way, where is the webcast of SteveB and BillG demo-ing this stuff? they haven’t caught on steve@mac yet tight 
?
Well, Om Malik, as often, hits it right there:
“Or dare I say, Microsoft 2.0. (Come on, people play along….)
- Given that the company releases beta as products, and gets it right on version 3.0, by calling them beta prevents any PR problems.
- Ad Supported, is the new Golddigger of Silicon Valley, and Redmond.
- Live Software, Microsoft for Software as a service. (Don’t tell that to Windows/Office groups who are stuffing the company coffers.)
- Interfaces, Microsoft for API
- Ease of Use and Simplicity are part of the new Microsoft lingo. Somewhere Steve Jobs is doubling up in peals of laughter. ”
Update: here is the official Microsoft PR page for Live! with all the links you'll ever want. My favourite line in the press release is :
"Office Live services initially will be released via an invitation-only beta in the U.S. in early 2006. Small-business customers can sign up at http://www.officelive.com."
Vaporware anyone?
