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Sources: Several Windows Live Projects Halted

By Ed Oswald, BetaNews

November 16, 2006, 5:19 PM

Microsoft's Windows Live desktop search project has been shelved "indefinitely," although not much reasoning has been given as to the reason for its demise.

Windows Live enthusiast blog LiveSide.net reported Thursday that the project, as well as several others, have been set aside as a result of a recent unannounced reorganization of the Windows Live and MSN divisions.

The shuffling, according to LiveSide, is focused on bringing consistency and focus to a division that seemed to be producing new services too quickly while not focusing on core services already available. Middle management hurdles were removed, and the number of subdivisions reduced from eight to six.

Windows and Windows Live vice president Steve Sinofsky, who took over the division from the retiring Jim Allchin, is said to have ordered the changes. Many regard Sinofsky for his tough management style, sorely needed for a division that had become increasingly unreliable under Allchin's leadership.

Some supporters of the company's Live platform were disappointed with the cuts, which also included The Live Drive project and a effort to integrate Windows Live services with Windows Media Center.

"While thankfully someone has seen sense to stop churning out Live-branded products everywhere we look, these non-core products are the ones that can differentiate Windows Live from Google and Yahoo," LiveSide's Chris Overd lamented.

A request for comment from Microsoft had not been returned as of press time.

Add a Comment (11 Comments)

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By rb1385

posted Nov 18, 2006 - 6:27 AM

There are too many poor Live services and no indication that the developers know where they are headed or why...

Score: 0

By zee7

posted Nov 17, 2006 - 10:31 AM

The downward spiral continues.

Making the decision to switch platforms after years of being a MS supporter was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do, but ultimately I'm so glad I did.
Microsoft, either through mismanagement or incompetence, simply cannot deliver the goods. I truly hope they bounce back, but I'm not willing to wait while their more motivated and innovative competitors pass them by.

Score: 0

By pickchevy

posted Nov 17, 2006 - 1:29 PM

Forget bouncing back; it looks like they intend to become SCO.

http://www.computerworld...c&articleId=9005171

Score: 0

By drumcat

posted Nov 17, 2006 - 12:36 PM

What, so in the meantime you overpay for OSX & proprietary hardware?

Score: 0

By wincement

posted Nov 19, 2006 - 7:50 PM

I would have agreed with you a couple months ago, but I don't think it's fair to call Apple hardware overpriced anymore. They've really become a good value, actually.

Score: 0

By new_jamie

posted Nov 21, 2006 - 6:54 AM

Apple are cheaper if you compare the quality for the money you're paying.

Score: 0

By TheSlasher

posted Nov 16, 2006 - 9:39 PM

Microsoft has no idea on what the word consistency means.

Score: 0

By cap737

posted Nov 16, 2006 - 11:43 PM

Of course they do; they are consistent in presenting an idea of a product to the public and then put its release on hold until they can fix the internal issues while keeping their users hope up.