YOS: MICROSOFT LIVE REDUX?

I understand the comments of many who think Yahoo is simply replicating Microsoft’s Live strategy. But I see it differently. First of all, because Yahoo has, in my opinion, always been better at creating consumer experiences that Microsoft. Second, that Microsoft;’s actions always seem to have at their center retaining and enhancing the competitive power of Office.

Of course, for Microsoft, that makes sense. Office is in for a rough several years, what with Google Docs and other free web-based document platforms biting its heels. I think it is going to remain dominant – scratch that, COULD remain dominant – if they start putting consumer needs at the center. And fix bloody Vista.

The other major assets that Yahoo holds versus Microsoft are a broader array of more successful environments. Yahoo Mail is of course healthier than Hotmail, and MSN, which has always centered more on content, has largely outsourced activities like online dating.
If Yahoo can do more than cobble together all of its pieces into a single, cohesive environment, then it will indeed be much much much more than Live.

I encourage you to go HERE to see the YOS presentation from last week’s Web 2.0 Conference.

Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to write