Wednesday 23 May 2012

The new Facebook? Not exactly - Microsoft's social network So.Cl gets a mixed reception


Microsoft has launched a test version of its own ‘social search engine’ which could take on Facebook and Google+ 
The computing giant hopes the so.cl community, which it claims ‘is an experiment in open search’ can help it move into the lucrative social network space.
The service lets people share search results with other users, and has a ‘video party’ mode similar to Google+’s hangout feature.
Microsoft's new social network is billed as an 'experiment in social search'
Microsoft's new social network is billed as an 'experiment in social search'
Members can also create ‘collages of content’ using the firm's Bing search engine technology and external links which they can then share with others, in a feature similar to Pinterest.
Microsoft has been testing the service privately with students and researchers at a small number of universities, but today opened the doors to all.
‘The fact that So.cl is targeted at students echoes Facebook's beginnings and has made many assume it is a Facebook clone,’ said Eden Zoller, principal analyst at technology consultants Ovum.
‘But So.cl is, as Microsoft stresses, an experiment designed to be a layer on existing social networks.
‘Microsoft is being sensible in positioning So.cl in this way - the opposite approach of Google, which entered social networking all guns blazing with a full on service, and is having modest success.’
Experts say Microsoft faces a tough battle.
‘So.cl isn't for everyone and convincing users to fit this site into an already busy online life with Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and LinkedIn will be a tough sell for Microsoft,’ wrote Ian Paul of PC World.
‘So.cl is a curious take on social networking and is definitely not for everyone. I'd say if you're life is already filled with tweets, Facebook likes, and LinkedIn status updates, you can safely skip So.cl without missing much.’
‘So.cl is an experimental research project focused on the future of social experiences and learning, especially among younger people,’
said a Microsoft spokesperson.
‘We’ve been really busy over the weekend,’ said Lili Cheng, general manager of FUSE Labs, which created the site, calling it ‘great to see how much interest there is.’
It is also believed the service is designed to make Microsoft’s Bing search engine more popular.
A study by Comscore suggested that Microsoft had a 15.4% share of the US search market in April compared with Google's 66.5% lead. Earlier surveys have suggested the gap is even wider in the UK and parts of Europe.


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