Microsoft is banking on its Windows Live Cloud Services to push the demand for web related services, and eventually monetise the concept by ad-funding it.
Going forward, firm hopes to monetise the services via ad-funding
NEW DELHI: Microsoft, the world’s largest software maker, is banking on its Windows Live Cloud Services to push the demand for web related services, and eventually monetise the concept by ad-funding it.
Samir Saraiya, head - business development at Microsoft India told DNA Money, “We want to make the services in the Cloud as best of breed products, having them talk to each other and other non-Microsoft products.”
The company said, with its free downloadable Windows Live client, it intends to integrate its software and services with an eye on interoperability.
The Cloud services applications targeted at individuals include Hotmail, Mail, Photo Gallery, Calendar, Spaces, Writer, Messenger, Events, Toolbar, OneCare Family Safety and Search, etc.
“At present, this service is free and we are not generating revenue on this… it will go ad-funded and be monetised,” Saraiya added.
Microsoft expects the Web to be a “mesh” connecting all of its products, and will also give developers more ability to develop services in the Cloud.
This “shift to online business for Microsoft” represents a major competitive sign to established “software-as-a-service” companies such as Salesforce and Oracle’s PeopleSoft and Siebel Systems units.
The technology major added that it would launch ads on the Windows Live products in “due time”.
Microsoft has roped in Indian partners for its Windows Live Suit and is in the “final process” to approve the deal, which would be announced soon.
Meanwhile, it is already selling ads for social networking website Facebook, besides Bollywood Hungama, Equitymaster and HDFC Bank, etc in India.
Microsoft is also optimistic about its online storage application, SkyDrive, which is now out of beta and is offering 5 gigabytes of online space.
This move might signal a terrible product war to come with its online rival, Google, which has similar products like Shared Storage service and others like FileCrunch, Pando and YouSendIt, etc.
However, like all other Live services, it requires signing up for a Microsoft Live account, even if you only want to look at someone else’s storage.
Saraiya said, to connect to various services, one needs an user ID from any of the Microsoft products like Hotmail or MSN messenger, and around 470 million users worldwide already have a Live ID.
vivek_s@dnaindia.net
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