Microsoft Lifts Video Onto A Soapbox

The company released a beta version of its YouTube competitor called Soapbox to users of MSN Video, and noted it will be integrated with various services like Windows Live Spaces and Live Messenger.

Soapbox, a video sharing service presently available only in a limited invitation-only beta currently. This is the 21st Century version of Microsoft's mid-1990's strategy, where the company would see a market develop with another company leading the way. Soon they would announce a forthcoming Microsoft entry into that market, and plenty of hype would bubble up despite Microsoft not actually having a shipping product yet. It was enough to have an impact on a few markets as purchasers delayed their buying decisions to see what Microsoft would release. What worked ten years ago may not be as successful today, but Microsoft is trying anyway. Visiting the Soapbox site brings up what must be the embeddable media player and a short clip of the MSN butterfly dude grooving on a darkened dance floor. It's enough to bring out the Urge music store. A few content channels that drive traffic to Urge, coupled with participation from ordinary users, may make Soapbox a draw for some of Microsoft's potential audience. Add to Del.icio.us | Digg | Yahoo! My Web | Furl Bookmark Murdok: David Utter is a staff writer for Murdok covering technology and business.