Microsoft Shutting Down Soapbox
Microsoft is planning to shut down its MSN Soapbox at the end of August, due to the competition being driven by Google’s YouTube.
Microsoft has started to inform its Soapbox users that the service will stop accepting video uploads on July 29, and people will have until August 31 to download videos that they want to keep.
"On August 31, 2009, MSN will no longer offer MSN Soapbox," a Microsoft spokesperson said in an email response to an AFP inquiry.
Microsoft is going to continue its MSN Video online streaming service, which reportedly has 88 million users around the globe.
"Online video will remain a key part of the MSN offering," the Microsoft spokesperson said.
"We remain committed to delivering amazing experiences for consumers while keeping a keen eye on our business objectives during this tough economic climate."
Microsoft launched soapbox in 2007.
Google bought YouTube in 2006 for $1.65 billion, but has yet to turn a profit on the company. However, last week Google executives said during an earnings conference call that they expect YouTube to soon be profitable.
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