Microsoft To Roll Out New Version Of Online Service

The rollout comes just as reports are indicating a possible slowdown in the growth of online services, but few are willing to bet against Microsoft in a market the software giant has targeted as a priority.

I never underestimate anything Microsoft does, said Robert Seidman, who covers the online industry for NetGuide magazine. If they want to get 5 million customers for MSN and they want to spend $500 million in marketing to do that, they will do that.

Company executives and analysts said version 2.0 of MSN will be heavy on entertainment content and transaction services such as online stock trading and shopping. Were really looking at people who have not been on-line before or people who have not been on the Internet before, said MSN product manager Michele Bourdon.