Windows Live Products to be monetised in due time

Microsoft is banking on its Windows Live Cloud Services to push the demand for web related services, and eventually monetise the concept by ad-funding it. Samir Saraiya, head - business development at Microsoft India told DNA Money, “We want to make the services in the Cloud as best of breed products, having them talk to each other and other non-Microsoft products.”

“At present, this service is free and we are not generating revenue on this… it will go ad-funded and be monetised,” Saraiya added. It would launch ads on the Windows Live products in “due time”. This move might signal a terrible product war to come with its online rival, Google.

Source : Microsoft sees comfort in Windows Live via WinVistaClub

This will be a good move by monetising various Live products as it will provide competition to the monopoly of Google. Many of these Live Cloud services are being used by millions of users.

Recently Microsoft also announced Live Search Cashback ,"The Search That Pays You Back" where Live Search users will be able to earn cashback savings based on a percentage of the product price.

Talking of montisation, earlier Microsoft had announced Silverlight Streaming Ads Pilot Program at MIX’08. A pilot program to offer turnkey advertising with the Silverlight Streaming video service. This pilot program will allow a control group of Silverlight Streaming account holders to take Silverlight videos and automatically insert contextual advertisements into the end-user video playback experience.

For those who do not know about Microsoft Silverlight Streaming by Windows Live, “It is a Silverlight companion service that makes it easier to deliver and scale rich media. The service offers a free and convenient solution for hosting and streaming cross-platform, cross-browser media experiences and rich interactive applications that run on Windows and Mac. While the service is in beta, storage is free up to 10 GB and streaming is free up to 5 TB of aggregated bandwidth per user account per month. Videos should not exceed 10 minutes and have a maximum bit rate of 1.4 Mbps. As we move out of beta, unlimited streaming will also be available for free with advertising, or with payment of a nominal fee for use of the service without advertising.”

So Microsoft is slowly but steadily is going to monetise to provide a competition to Google. Let us wait and see how it develops.

Live Search cashback

When I opened the Live Search sometimes back, I saw the 'Get Cashback' put on top right, So was trying to explore it. Is it something to do with the new model Microsoft was going to announce at advance08 advertising conference  about which I had posted earlier  Microsoft to announce some major Search Initiatives .

Let us see what Live Search Cashback is from the Frequently Asked Questions :

"Microsoft Live Search cashback is "The Search That Pays You Back". Find great deals on millions of products from hundreds of brand name stores that you know and trust. You will be able to earn cashback savings based on a percentage of the product price. Your savings will be paid to you via your choice of a deposit to your PayPal account, direct deposit to your bank account, or a check in the mail. It's that simple!"

"Who is eligible for Live Search cashback?

You are as long as you:

• Provide us with a valid email address and password for account access.
• Are a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and at least 18 years of age.
• Have a valid mailing address (a P.O. Box won't work).
• Create or have an active Windows Live ID and cashback account.
• Adhere to the Microsoft Service Agreement."

"As you search on Microsoft Live Search (www.Live.com), look for this icon to let you know that cashback savings are available from Live Search. You can also search directly for cashback deals and participating stores at the Live Search cashback site. Your results will always clearly list the cashback amount and your bottom-line price."

After each purchase you make, the Store you purchase from will send Microsoft your purchase information which MS will use to process ones cashback. In the future, MS may also use ones purchase information to help personalize experience which may include displaying customized advertising and content.

For the complete FAQ, Please check: http://search.live.com/cashback/faq