Microsoft Live integrates online social networks

Two years ago, the most popular online chat networks were yahoo messenger and friendster. In 2008, it became the Facebook. Social (chat) networking sites are being developed and marketed aggressively just as fast as consumer products in the real world such that clients have difficulty adjusting to the new products being offered in the cyberspace.

The problem with having to register with so many email accounts, social networking sites and cellphone contact lists and chatting or exchanging photos, notes and other materials online involves having to register so many times just to keep in touch with friends, business partners, co workers and even family members around the globe. Chances are the user forgets the passwords if he has different passwords for each social network. Not to mention, the security of the network and the assurance against viruses to the user.

Windows Live, which launched its Third Wave of Microsoft product development or upgraded version Hotmail and other networks last December for the media and then commercially last January 14 at the Fort, seeks to simplify the online social networks by integrating the different networks and their programs and applications so that the user only has to log in one password in accessing to these networks.

In essence, the user no longer has to register with all the social networks he has been using but register these networks in Microsoft Live so that he can browse and respond real-time with the people he has registered in the different social networks simultaneously.

Windows Live will show him who is online and in what network and he can respond or send photos, songs or any files to the person online using only Windows Live, explained Geert Desager, trade marketing manager for Southeast Asia of Microsoft Digital Advertising Solutions.

Desager said the trade launch of Windows Live happened simultaneously in the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia for Southeast Asia, where he is connected and around the globe, through the other regional offices.

Windows Live also gives the client options whether to send the message or file to himself (personal), only to family member, to office/school mates or to all people listed in the person’s different social networks.

Windows Live is partnering with the different social networks to ensure their integration into the Windows Live version so that even non Microsoft users can access to Windows Live.

Desager said what motivated Microsoft to come up with third wave of Windows Live is that 460 million users worldwide have developed newer needs and expectations for sharing email, messaging, photos and files within their network of friends, family, business associates and more that they find in different sites. Accessing to these sites is difficult not just for the user but for his social circle as well.

Statistics showed that the average internet user has three email accounts and four additional social networking accounts requiring a password. They also have problems with security (from hackers) and safety of their programs (from viruses and spams).

“Microsoft’s security is very important and we also have a special feature in Windows Live which ensures family safety,” Desager explained..

The new Windows Live experience is enhanced by Microsoft partners with feeds from third party sites that helps one stay updated on what’s new with friends and family and see information from any other online services such as Flickr, Pandora, Photobucket, Twitter, Wordpress and Yelp, all in one place.

Desager said Windows Live has a Live calendar; online events invirat6ions; Live groups, Live Hotmail, shared albums; live Skydrive (25BG of online storage space); Live mail, Live messenger, Live sync and more.