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Microsoft Incorporates Social Networking Features into Outlook

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Microsoft has made a significant move to incorporate online social networking features into its widely used desktop email software, Outlook. This feature is aimed at turning the email service into a hub of social information, capitalizing on the growing importance of networks like Facebook and LinkedIn to businesses. This strategic decision comes after Google's failed attempt to integrate social networking features into its Gmail program, Buzz. The introduction of social networking features in Outlook aims to leverage the power of social networks by bringing updates into workers' email inboxes at the office.

Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft is incorporating online social networking features into its next version of Outlook, used by 500 million people as part of its Office software applications.
  • The new features aim to turn the email service into a hub of social information, providing users with access to social networking activities of senders and colleagues.
  • The Social Connector software will allow users to view a new pane on the main e-mail reading screen with the sender's most recent social-networking activities.
  • LinkedIn updates will be integrated into Outlook inboxes, enabling users to stay in touch with changes in job status, contact information, or affiliations shared by colleagues.
  • Microsoft acknowledges the potential for employees to waste time on social networks at the office, but aims to increase productivity with this innovation.
  • The social networking features will be available in the next Outlook e-mail program, to be released with an Office 2010 set of applications in June.
  • The Social Connector software has been launched as an early test of the new service, with a clear focus on leveraging the power of social networks.
  • Microsoft has invested in Facebook and wants to use the power of social networks to enhance the user experience in Outlook.
  • Facebook has more than 400 million users worldwide, with half of them using the site every day.
  • The LinkedIn connection enables users to view details about colleagues' professional lives, such as how many people they have connected with.
  • The online community has 60 million strong users.

Statistics:

  • 500 million people use Microsoft Outlook as part of its Office software applications.
  • 400 million users worldwide use Facebook, with half of them using the site every day.
  • 60 million strong online users are part of the LinkedIn community.
  • The LinkedIn connection lets people using the email program stay in touch with any changes in job status, contact information or affiliations shared by colleagues.
  • The integration of social networking features in Outlook aims to promote productivity and increase efficiency in the workplace.
  • The Social Connector software has been launched as an early test of the new service, with a clear focus on leveraging the power of social networks.
  • The next version of Outlook will be released with an Office 2010 set of applications in June.

Sources:

  • Euclid Infotech, "Microsoft Incorporates Social Networking Features into Outlook", Copyright 2010
  • Contify.com, distributed by

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