The Internet Research Laboratory is Microsoft’s next step in the race against competitors like Google and Yahoo, aimed at accelerating the commercialization of products.
Microsoft Live Labs (MLL)
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Photo: Yahoo! News |
The combination of Microsoft’s MSN development team and their research department aims to create highly competitive new products, rather than functioning like traditional laboratories. Microsoft hopes this collaboration will yield truly groundbreaking products that will “refresh” their offerings, which have become “too familiar and boring.”
This move by Microsoft is clearly a strategy to catch up with competitors such as Google and Yahoo, companies whose revenue mainly relies on web-based applications. Web-based applications are often considered easier to build and deploy, with high update speeds and user-friendly interfaces suitable for a wide range of users. This provides an advantage over traditional software companies, whose products can take years to develop. The cost of their products depends heavily on the complexity of the program, while web-based products are typically much cheaper, and sometimes even free.
Of course, you get what you pay for. However, as financial corporations seek to be more “agile” in their organization, the demand for compact, purpose-driven software at affordable prices increases. Overall, efficiency must be prioritized.
Microsoft has recognized this trend and has set a goal to develop web-based applications, such as Windows Live and Office Live, that feature capabilities similar to the Windows and Office product suites.
Additionally, Microsoft has introduced adLabs, a research project aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of advertising, especially online advertising.
A Strategic Outlook?
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MSNBC Website |
Establishing MLL appears to be a logical move for Microsoft from a market perspective. It is essential to recognize that MSN was created before MML as a preparatory step providing the necessary infrastructure and practical resources for research purposes. Therefore, Microsoft does not need to invest effort into building market research systems and human resources.
This sets MLL apart from traditional laboratories, indicating that everything seems to have been intentionally planned and thoroughly prepared from the outset. It can be said that this is a strategically ambitious move by Microsoft.
Observers continue to watch the giant’s steps closely.
TRAN HUY
