Microsoft launches MSN 8 browser in French and German

Dom · Jul 28, 2003, 02:03 PM

LONDON (Reuters) - Microsoft says it will begin selling its subscription-based Web browser MSN 8 in German and French language versions on Monday, its latest effort to boost overseas revenues at its loss-making Internet unit.

A host of Internet firms, including arch-rival Yahoo, have staked out in Europe a plan to sell subscription services to consumers to diversify beyond the stagnant or slow-growing online advertising market.

Internet companies face a difficult task convincing consumers to pay for an enhanced Web browser on top of the monthly bill they pay to their Internet access provider, industry observers say.

MSN 8 comes equipped with a spam e-mail filter, parental controls, digital photo editing software and an enhanced Web browser. Microsoft will charge 5.99 euros (3.7 pounds) per month or 59.99 euros for the year in France and Germany for MSN 8.

It charges customers 60 pounds per year for MSN 8 in English and 70 euros in Spanish, the only other versions available in Europe.

Microsoft declined to give details on customer uptake in those versions.

Judy Gibbons, who was promoted on Monday to oversee Microsoft's MSN activities outside the U.S., said subscription revenues will account for half the unit's revenues in the next five years, up from a small percentage today.

Gibbons's new role will be as corporate vice president of MSN International where she will oversee MSN's advertising sales and subscription services business in 32 countries across Europe, Asia, Middle East, South America and Oceania.

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Source: Y!News

Jul 28, 2003, 02:03 PM	#1
Dom DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 12,940 Rep Power: 0	Microsoft launches MSN 8 browser in French and German LONDON (Reuters) - Microsoft says it will begin selling its subscription-based Web browser MSN 8 in German and French language versions on Monday, its latest effort to boost overseas revenues at its loss-making Internet unit. A host of Internet firms, including arch-rival Yahoo, have staked out in Europe a plan to sell subscription services to consumers to diversify beyond the stagnant or slow-growing online advertising market. Internet companies face a difficult task convincing consumers to pay for an enhanced Web browser on top of the monthly bill they pay to their Internet access provider, industry observers say. MSN 8 comes equipped with a spam e-mail filter, parental controls, digital photo editing software and an enhanced Web browser. Microsoft will charge 5.99 euros (3.7 pounds) per month or 59.99 euros for the year in France and Germany for MSN 8. It charges customers 60 pounds per year for MSN 8 in English and 70 euros in Spanish, the only other versions available in Europe. Microsoft declined to give details on customer uptake in those versions. Judy Gibbons, who was promoted on Monday to oversee Microsoft's MSN activities outside the U.S., said subscription revenues will account for half the unit's revenues in the next five years, up from a small percentage today. Gibbons's new role will be as corporate vice president of MSN International where she will oversee MSN's advertising sales and subscription services business in 32 countries across Europe, Asia, Middle East, South America and Oceania. ____________________ Source: Y!News