“Microsoft Corp. announced today that its Internet strategy will
focus more on providing basic software tools and services to
enhance the Web and less on generating consumer content.
Analysts said that Microsoft will likely succeed in
transferring its software and tools roots from the desktop to the
Web, and corporate customers will likely follow them into the
Web world if the company doesn’t falter.
As part of its effort to spread the responsibility for content
beyond its walls, the company will spin off its Expedia travel site
in an initial public offering… The new company will remain
majority owned by Microsoft, but it will trade on the Nasdaq market
under the symbol ‘EXPE.’
The spin-off follows an an announcement earlier this week that
Microsoft will partner with Ford Motor Co. to drive the formerly
all-Microsoft Carpoint car-buying site… Microsoft has also sold
off its Sidewalk site, which offers a guide to entertainment and
culture in major cities.”