The pace at which the world changes has been accelerating more and more over the years. This has demanded businesses and organizations in general to accelerate their innovation to keep up with the constant changes.
‘’Innovation doesn’t exist without adoption. This means innovation is more about a social process than technology’’ -Unknown
Like the diffusion of innovation theory by E.M. Rogers says every product must have its end. Innovation demands them to either be replaced, upgraded, or merged in with other products, services, or features. In the past few years, Microsoft (an organization that is known for letting their products gain momentum), has pulled the plug of numerous products and services.
Killed by Microsoft is a free open-source list of discontinued Microsoft services, products, devices, and apps. This project aims to be a source of information about the history surrounding Microsoft’s inactive projects.
Some discontinued Microsoft products/services and their replacements
Microsoft Live
This set of web services and software products was part of its software plus services platform. It was over 6 years old when it was discontinued about 10 years ago. Live Mail and Hotmail were folded into Outlook.com, Live Mesh into SkyDrive, and Live Messenger was axed with Skype.
Skype for Business
Formerly Microsoft Lync and Office Communicator, this enterprise instant messaging software developed by Microsoft as a part of the Office suite, is almost 18 years old, and will be fully replaced by Microsoft Teams.
Microsoft TechNet
This was a Microsoft web portal and web service for IT professionals, containing documentation for Microsoft products, discussion forums, an evaluation center for downloading trialware, blogs for Microsoft employees, and more. Killed over 8 years ago, this tool was replaced by Microsoft docs.
Windows Small Business Server
When Windows Server 2012 was released, they announced it would no longer have a small business version. This is when Microsoft started encouraging small businesses to move to Microsoft cloud solutions. SMBs can now move to Azure, SharePoint, or deploy Windows Server essentials.
Microsoft is always innovating to keep up with the ever-changing digital world. Our Microsoft licensing specialists are also in constant growth to help your organization thrive in the digital work era.
To know what Microsoft Cloud technology best fits your organization’s needs, do not hesitate to contact us, we can help you make the most out of your IT investments.
