July 12th, 2007
Microsoft readying Channel 8
While rumors swirl that Microsoft might be considering buying FaceBook, the company is continuing to build out its own family of blogs, wikis, video and other community-outreach tools to connect with current and potential users.
The latest social-networking site in Microsoft’s arsenal? Channel 8.
Microsoft Developer Mark Johnston posted a teaser on his blog for the forthcoming site, which seems to be targeted at students.
“(Y)ou can probably guess who it’s targeted at given my new job focusing on students ;-),” Johnston blogged.
So far, there’s nothing but a logo on the site. No word yet on when it will go live. I put in a formal request for more info; no word back yet.
Update: On Thursday afternoon, a Microsoft spokeswoman responded with the following statement: “ Unfortunately, we can’t share details at the moment but there will definitely be more to come later this summer.”
Channel 9 is Microsoft’s developer-community site, which the company launched in 2004. In 2006, Microsoft launched Channel 10, a slicker, marketing-oriented site.
Microsoft also currently runs a student-outreach site, The Spoke, where students can host their blogs and participate in community discussions. And it has been stepping up its campaign to consolidate “Student Partners” on another Microsoft site.
Mary Jo has covered the tech industry for more than 20 years. Don't miss a single post. Subscribe via Email or
RSS. You can also follow Mary Jo on Twitter.
Got a tip? Send Mary Jo your rants, rumors, tips and tattles. For disclosure on Mary Jo's industry affiliations, click here or to see Mary Jo's full profile click here.
