Microsoft to open two new research labs
Just days after unveiling its Advertising Research Laboratory, AdLab, Microsoft is all set to launch two new laboratories called Microsoft Live Labs (MLL) and Search Labs. The move comes in wake of the stiff market competition faced by the software giant.
A collaborative effort between the brains from MSN and Microsoft Research, MLL will offset competition from opponents like Google Inc. and Yahoo Inc., by developing up-to-date Internet technology products. According to the announcement made by Microsoft Corp.
“Live Labs will investigate a broad and comprehensive set of research topics such as multimedia search, machine learning, distributed computing, data mining, as well as engage in rapid prototyping, and the incubation of disruptive technologies.” Microsoft Search Labs., on the other hand, will focus its efforts solely on innovating new Internet Search methods.
MLL will be headed by Dr. Gary William Flake, a former employee of Yahoo Inc. who joined Microsoft last year. The Search Labs. team will also be led by a new recruit, Ashok Chandra who was previously a Vice President at Verity.
The new research endeavors of Microsoft mark a shift from academic research to applied research. “Its goal is to hit the sweet spot in the middle between science and engineering, where each is ... better together,” said Dr. Flake taking about MLL. Microsoft has adopted the new strategy in order make progress in Internet business, a field in which it has been trailing way behind its competitors. The previous initiatives in this direction were Windows Live and Office Live, online counterparts of Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office Applications.
Market analysts believe that Microsoft is trying to utilize its expertise in research to beat the competition. “This indicates Microsoft's long-term commitment to this (Internet Technology). Certainly they're not content with their position in the marketplace,” said Michael Gartenberg of Jupiter Research.
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