Microsoft into blogs and Google to improve Usenet services

Way back in May and June 2004 did we speculate that Microsoft might launch its own blog - and now the plans become more real. "Microsoft plans for the first time to offer a service called MSN Spaces, which will allow users to create personal Web logs, or blogs."

The service, targeting a younger audience, includes music and picture sharing capabilities. MSN expects the service to generate revenue both from direct advertising and from connection time, and in the future by selling online storage capacity - what might be difficult, if the audience is too young, of course.

Google, on the other hand, "... is bringing out a second version of its Google Groups service, based on Usenet, the online message archive, which it acquired in 2001. The new version of Groups is intended to make it easier for Internet users to manage lists for online discussion groups and create both public or private discussion groups on any topic."

(By Asia Business Consulting)