Microsoft makes friends with social networks

Microsoft has announced collaborations that will see Windows Live more tightly integrated with the world's top five social networking sites.
The software giant is working with Facebook, Bebo, Hi5, LinkedIn and Tagged to exchange a set of APIs which allow users to easily and securely move their contacts and relationships between services.
"Social networks are becoming a fundamental way in which we communicate, and we are happy to be a part of that," said a spokesman for Microsoft.
"These partnerships will enhance our users' online experiences and the way in which they choose to communicate with their friends and families."
Users will be able to invite their Windows Live Contacts to join them on the social networking services without the need for screen-scraping, or providing private user credentials to outside networks.
"We continue to explore ways to open up Facebook in safe and secure ways that benefit our users and we are working with Microsoft, a trusted partner, to test a new data portability initiative," said a spokeswoman for Facebook.
"Facebook will continue to work with other trusted partners to explore new initiatives around data portability."
As part of this collaboration, Microsoft is introducing a new Windows Live Messenger website where users can invite contacts from any of the five social networks to join them.
The service is live today on Facebook and Bebo, and will become live on Hi5, LinkedIn and Tagged in the coming months.


"MICROSOFT IS TRYING TO TAKE THE INTERNET BY STORM"http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/2212947/microsoft-friends-social-networks

MICROSOFT AND YAHOO. TO BE CONTINUED....

Yahoo upgraded to buy on expected higher Microsoft bid
Citigroup analyst sees software giant raising offer to $34 a share

Microsoft raised its bis for yahoo to $34 a share. This makes the most sense for the company. A merger with Google would never pass through the regulators. The first deal was rejected but to survive in the future these two companies know that they need each other.

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/yahoo-upgraded-buy-sweeter-microsoft/story.aspx?guid=%7B16ECADB1-F21C-4447-95C2-0802508B75D0%7D

Assignment #7 Consumer Behavior

How can your company's consumers be persuaded?

Persuasion first starts with the study of consumer behavior. You have to really find what drives and motivates the consumer. The culture and attitude of people also has to learned in order to appeal to them in the best way.
There has to also be a need present and a motive for the consumer buying the product. Microsoft is need in every computer, at least 90% of them so the the need is definately there. The motive for the consumer to buy it would be that he or she feels comfortable using Microsoft because that is all they ever used.
Microsoft should also have centers that help with and guide the consumer on how to use the software. Helping consumers with the learning process of the products would greatly increase the persuasion power of Microsoft. They would really feel that the company is truley helping the people and taking part in their lives.

VISTA

Microsoft has released a service update for all versions of its Windows Vista operating system.
The computer giant claims that the update improves the stability, security and performance of the software.
The update, or service pack, includes some fixes released before now and adds many new ones as well.
Microsoft has warned that the update could clash with some security software and other programs customers may have installed on their machine.

"VISTA IS FINALLY GOING TO WORK"

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7304830.stm

UPDATE:AT&T's Yellowpages.com To Post Ads On Microsoft Sites

Microsoft is utilizing its website to entice advertisers. Yellowpages will start posting ads on its search engines and web sites. MICROSOFT IS EMBRACING THE FUTURE!!!!!!

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/djf500/200803171120DOWJONESDJONLINE000564_FORTUNE5.htm

STUFF I LIKE

JP Morgan Chase is buying Bear Sterns for $2 a share, thats 92% less than the value. Bear Stearn was the leader in the Sub-prime collatorolized securities. Now not having any liquid assets they are in trouble and are not able to make money. This is just some of the signs showing the the market is going to be a bumpy ride. HOLD ON!!!

THE FUTURE

Microsoft Unlocks the Power of the Web for Connected Customer Experiences
Unveiled at MIX08, new releases of Microsoft Internet Explorer, Microsoft Silverlight and Microsoft Expression Studio provide Web developers and designers with game-changing benefits and business opportunities.
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2008/mar08/03-05MIX08PR.mspx


Microsoft is embracing change.

TRYING TO IMPROVE THE WORLD

Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates during his testimony before the Committee on Science and Technology, United States House of Representatives. Gates spoke about the need for improving science and math education, the future of technology innovation and H-1B visa reform. Washington, D.C., March 12, 2008.

"BILL THE PHILANTROPIST"

Assignment #6

http://www.microsoft.com/en/us/default.aspx


Microsoft has website incorporates all the three kinds the corporate, marketing and electronic website all in one. You can learn about the latest news, apply for jobs, discover new products and as the end result you can also purchase them.