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If you want to try the service out there's more information on this page:
[ideas.live.com...]
I've read in some places that people think this is Microsoft's way to preempt any moves that Google and Sun might have had implementing a similar service with OpenOffice. (That was one of the original rumors that was floating around.)
Microsoft Corp. on Tuesday announced online 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.
From: [foxnews.com...]
In Foo we were remembering Betamax video. Great technology, but the market was moving on and it never caught on. Sony wanted THEIR system to be THE system because it was so good.
I think Mr. Gates might have a similar problem here, but good luck to him,
This strategy embraces IM, your email, news, and other forms of communication. It's a good move in that there's no advertising there, which follows on Google's mantra of, "Is it good for the user?"
"Is it good for the user" is one of the smartest phrases floating around.
Interesting to see where they go with this.
My Cellphone (Windows Mobile 4.6)
My Laptop (WinXP with Outlook 2003)
My Desktop (WinXP with Outlook 2003)
All connecting to my SBS2003 server with Exchange 2003.
The benefit? Every single one of them connects with RPC over HTTP and every single one is perfectly sync'd. Contacts, Appointments, Mail... obviously... My girlfriend has an account on my SBS server, as do my flatmates...
Unless you've used if for a few months you have NO idea how easy it makes organisation of even the smallest thing... shared tasks, shared contacts... proper personal collaboration has been a goal of mine since I benefitted from it at work and it makes certain things SO easy...
I am yet to see a solution by Google / Yahoo or ANY other provider, particularly open-source that even comes close to this... myspace and blog sites also add another aspect to it...
To see it implemented online is something that is beyond interesting, its EXCITING!
Seems Bill has been busy with new toys! haha
-Hollyweird man
Firefox Users
Firefox support is coming soon. Please be patient :-)
That says a lot.
The fact that right from the launch, they're acknowledging the impact of FireFox, is probably as good an indicator as any that they're worried about the "Fast Moving" targets out there.
This time last year, they would have just put it up as IE only, without any notes other than "Please Download IE" if you used any other browser.
My usual outlook folder 8.7 gigs - even gmail won't support it.
Tried beta favorites, would be useful, received error 'exceeded maxium combination of folders'. There are very few services on the net that will actually let me use my favorites online.
When one works on multiple machines, and is syncing data all the time, these services could be useful - but you need to make it for all types of users and not just those who fit into the typical data mode.
...but you need to make it for all types of users...
Indeed, that would make Microsoft a leader. I recall the CEO of another company said that their products don't have to be perfect, just good enough. Unfortunately that's a rule many companies follow. To exceed that is taking a leadership role. Let's see if Microsoft takes the lead and shoots for being the best.
[edited by: bill at 5:26 am (utc) on Nov. 2, 2005]
[edit reason] fixed URL [/edit]
Could be one to watch.
<sigh> You guys think it's great... But webmasterworld tech-savvy users are not the market.
It could be great, but will it become broadly used i.e., Google or even MS Office? I have my doubts that it will even get close.
Don't fall in love with Live. It might not be around for long.
But webmasterworld tech-savvy users are not the market
That's a bit obvious - hence the drag and drop features etc.
I think the importance here is how they market / integrate the site. A great domain name that people will remember particularly if local stuff integrated like Gigs, Cinemas, etc etc etc
If this is in Longhorn/Vista and they start to encourage default access for Messenger and Hotmail - there are lots of reasons why it could take off.
Okay so it's not going to be a Google type rise, but if it encourages users to settle in one position in order to carry out a range of simple features - the hotmail / messenger combination will ensure a good chance of success.
Matt
I hate to be the cynic, but it doesn't seem like there is anything ground breaking here. All of these tools are readily available. Their page is a fancy RSS reader that transmits mail subjects via unsecured http. I don't want my mail presented this way and I'm not convinced that this is something people will want. Besides, I hate MSN mail because even if you don't give out your address, your brand new account will be full of spam in week 2.
I think what we might be seeing here is the maturation of internet news. More and more services are calmmering to provide a platform for RSS digests and it seems that there are bigger players all the time. I also have to wonder what impact this will have on future operating systems from Windows.
One key reason is portability. Think about a typical user today - a PC at the office, a couple of PCs at home, maybe a laptop that goes on trips. That user may also be in places where he/she can access a PC owned by others (hotel, cafe, campus, someone else's home or office, etc.). The thought of having one's same "desktop", files, etc. at every location has some appeal.
The server-centric, thin client approach has one major drawback - not being able to work if one loses one's Internet connection. Presumably, there could be solutions to allow offline work.
don't be silly ..
rogerd ..if they could come up with a way of using it offline ..ie all the apps with full functionality in a portable device ..surely we'd call it lap top ..:)
the only things that currently govern the size of laptops are keyboard ergonomics ( won't change much but voice recognition improvements will help ..'corse privacy on the train when talking to ones trousers is a bit lax )..screen readability ( depends on your own eyes ) and heat dissipation ..the latter is improving ..so they could all be smaller right now ..
security concerns and restraints just won't let it catch on ..less it's just glorified email boxes ..
i'd rather sign up for the "arny cyborg operation" then let microsoft look after something precious on their remote system
The thought of having one's same "desktop", files, etc. at every location has some appeal.
All you need is XP Pro. Set up the web based remote desktop function and, viola! All of your files, email and everything is available from any computer with an internet connection!
I don't buy the "accessing everything remotely" argument. There's any number of "remote access to your PC" programs out there. All you have to do is leave your home system on.
However: it would be nice NOT to have to purchase a $150+ version of PowerPoint or Excel for the handful of times I need to use the damn programs. If they could work something like that, and the perform didn't take too much of a hit, I'd consider that. Pay a monthly fee or short time period fee to access it.
That will likely eat into their existing sales, though, so I'm hard pressed to see why they'd DO that.
Hell even I'm fed up of doing all this.
And I'm fed up of emailing myself documents from office everyday so that I can use them at home and vice versa. And no I don't want a laptop caue I love my BIG keyboard and 19" monitor.
He is stiring. I expect an AOL/MSN announcement any day now. It's a war and Google is in for some interesting battlefield challenges. All to the good of the consumer!
fed up of emailing myself documents from office everyday
If this could be an advanced 'my briefcase' type scenario whereby documents can be accessed or worked on off or online, with auto-sync when you access either of them (a la Palm)... then this would reach an even greater market that may not necessarily wish to work solely by 'remote'.
