Microsoft throws down the MSN 8 gauntlet
eWeek | at | by Mike
Microsoft may not be a media company, but the company pulled out all the entertainment stops to launch its MSN 8 Internet-access software and service here on Thursday. Microsoft Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates announced at the Central Park roll-out that Walt Disney and Microsoft are launching a co-branded "Disney on MSN" Internet service. Disney Chairman and CEO Michael Eisner appeared briefly on stage at the MSN 8 launch event to announce the deal. Eisner emphasized the "family-safe" appeal of MSN 8 as one of the main elements that helped convince Disney to throw its lot in with MSN. Disney signed its first deal with MSN a year ago for ESPN content for MSN.