Microsoft SA officially launched a new local version of its international Web portal MSN, on Friday. The new portal,
http://www.msn.co.za
has a host of new and enhanced facilities which Microsoft says will dramatically increase the quality of the Web experience.
"The dramatic growth in the availability of Internet access over the past few years, as well as the increasingly global nature of the economy, are indicators that the South African market is ready for a portal service that provides an initial point of entry to obtaining the best news and niche content as well as a range of services that are aimed at providing an integrated experience for the end-user," said Carsten Knoch, the business development manager for Web Essentials at Microsoft South Africa.
Described by Knoch as "the place to get things done on the Web", MSN South Africa will form the main access point for South African Web surfers to the popular Web-based e-mail facility Hotmail. The site is also a portal for featured local content produced by leading South African online content providers such as M-Web Interactive, WOZA, iafrica.com and ITWeb. "The advanced search facilities feature the ability to do an aggregate international search, while the integration of two local search partners, Who`s Who and Ananzi, makes the Web more accessible for those looking for SA-specific information," said Knoch.
MSN South Africa is connected to Microsoft`s international MSN network which operates country and language specific MSN portal sites in 28 countries. It aims to extend its content reach during the next few months to affirm its position as one of South Africa`s premier Web destinations.
"In a quest to increase end-user productivity and quality of experience on the Internet, we`re committed to developing the Web Lifestyle for Internet users worldwide. The Web Lifestyle is harnessing the power of the Internet to deliver services and goods when and where they are needed, providing an increasingly integrated experience for all Web users, on all form factors and in the home as well as at work," concluded Knoch.
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