Microsoft Corp. is to exit its Encarta encyclopedia business later this year after losing ground over the years to freely available reference material on the Internet on web sites like Wikipedia Encylopedia.
“People today seek and consume information in considerably different ways than in years past,” the software maker said in a notice posted on its MSN website.
Microsoft reduced 5,000 jobs earlier this year to cut costs and warned profit and revenue would fall over the next two quarters, said it would stop selling Encarta software products by June 2009.
Encarta websites worldwide, except Encarta Japan, would be discontinued on October 31 and Encarta Japan will cease after December 31, the company said.
The disappearance of Encarta will not affect me at all. I do a lot of researching on the Internet, and not once, have I used Encarta or any other encyclopedia besides Wikipedia. The next encyclopedia on the chopping block is Britannica. It’s not if, but when it will be sacrificed in the name of profitability.
The Internet has no mercy for inefficiency and stagnation. You tell that to the newspaper guys as well. Good Day.
I am like you. I just type in what I am looking for and then sort through the returns and choose one or two I like. Sometimes I don’t like the answer I chose and go back and pick one I do like. So my encyclopedia gives me what I am after every time I look.
Hi Abe:
Yep, I don’t need any sophisticated encyclopedia to find what I’m looking for.
The Internet is a gold mine and I’m a rich man.
Have a great day, Abe.
Omar.-
Wikipedia, with a 97% share of the online encyclopedia market, has forced Microsoft to shut down Encarta. How long will it be before Wikipedia claims the prize scalp of Encyclopaedia Britannica?
Encyclopaedia Britannica did not think that an open source product like Wikipedia would significantly challenge the credibility of its brand. They were dead wrong and Encyclopaedia Britannica’s staff seriously misread the global market. They are now very concerned about the widespread use of a free Wikipedia vs their paid subscription model. From a corporate and financial perspective, Encyclopaedia Britannica is in significant trouble.
It will be interesting to see if Encyclopaedia Britannica survives, but recent indications do not look good. It is the combination of a) the success of Wikipedia and b) improved search engines that has put financial pressure on Encyclopedia Britannica over recent years. Many libraries, schools & individuals are questioning the need to pay for sets of expensive books, or to subscribe to Encyclopaedia Britannica Online, when the content is free on the internet, and much more comprehensive.
Hello W. Williams:
I earned a free subscription of Encyclopedia Britannica for one year, but after a few attempts decided to keep on using Wikipedia. It’s faster and the information is factual and updated.
I feel Britannica will fall the way Encarta did, both versions (e.g., online and paper). It’s just a matter of time. Thank you for your valuable and comprehensive comments.
Best Regards,
Omar.-