Nachdem schon am 23. März 2009 Meyers Lexikon Online "abgeschaltet"
worden war, hat Microsoft heute unter
<http://encarta.msn.com/guide_page_FAQ/FAQ.html>
angekündigt, daß die Microsoft Encarta in den nächsten Monaten
eingestellt werde. Auch der Vertrieb der Software ende damit. Als Grund
wird pauschal auf das "veränderte Nutzerverhalten" verwiesen.
Important Notice: MSN Encarta to be Discontinued
On October 31, 2009, MSN® Encarta® Web sites worldwide
will be
discontinued, with the exception of Encarta Japan, which will be
discontinued on December 31, 2009. Additionally, Microsoft will cease
to sell Microsoft Student and Encarta Premium software products
worldwide by June 2009. We understand that Encarta users may have
questions regarding this announcement so we have prepared this list
of questions and answers below. Please keep reading if you would like
more information about these changes to Encarta.
Why are these Encarta Web sites and software products being
discontinued? Encarta has been a popular product around the world for
many years. However, the category of traditional encyclopedias and
reference material has changed. People today seek and consume
information in considerably different ways than in years past. As
part of Microsoft’s goal to deliver the most effective and engaging
resources for today’s consumer, it has made the decision to exit the
Encarta business. Microsoft's vision is that everyone around the
world needs to have access to quality education, and we believe that
we can use what we’ve learned and assets we’ve accrued with offerings
like Encarta to develop future technology solutions. In doing so, we
feel strongly that we are making the right investments that will help
make our vision a reality. When are these Encarta Web sites and
software products being discontinued? MSN Encarta worldwide (except
Japan) will be discontinued on October 31, 2009. MSN Encarta Japan
will be discontinued on December 31, 2009. After these specified
dates, the Web sites will no longer be available.
Microsoft Student and Encarta Premium software products are also
being discontinued. Microsoft will stop making them available for
sale by June 2009.
Weitere Meldungen:
<http://arstechnica.com/microsoft/news/2009/03/microsoft-to-kill-encarta-later-this-year.ars>
<http://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-kills-encarta-2009-3>
Jürgen.