So, in an earlier post, this blog discussed the idea that perhaps Microsoft’s Linux deals are not blatant attempts to stop operating system competitors but are really Microsoft plotting its exit from Windows. (It would become mainly a software-as-a-service business). Ok, the idea is sci-fi. It would be years before Ray Ozzie’s vision is the new Microsoft way. But in making the argument, Dennis Byron (Research 2.0) noted that that as Windows Live features grew, the need to control the desktop becomes less important.
So on Wednesday Microsoft announced beta versions of several new Windows Live features. The features themselves are rather consumer oriented. Windows Live Folders allots U.S. users with 500 megabytes of free online storage.
The one that got the most attention — Windows Live Photo Gallery – is an upgrade to Windows Vista’s Windows Photo Gallery. These join beta the services of Windows Live Mail, Windows Live Messenger and Windows Live Writer.
However, Chris Jones, corporate vice president of Windows Live Experience Program Management promised:
“And this is only the beginning — in the next couple of months you will see new releases from us that will really start to show the integrated experience I’m talking about that will truly be representative of where we’re looking to go with Windows Live. Just as one small example, soon we’ll begin to offer a single installer which will give customers the option of an all-in-one download for the full Windows Live suite of services instead of the separate installation experience you see today.”
Google’s Apps perhaps?
So, with one installation, you get the entire Windows Live package, operating from your browser. Sound familiar? Like the Windows/Office killer otherwise known as
