I'm a recent user of Twitter. For the most part, I'm not sure about the value proposition. But in light of the site's enormous popularity, I had to take a look.
Well, Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) is also interested -- and is willing to throw some bucks at it. Yes, Twitter is growing up and trying to find ways to monetize its user base.
The initiative is called ExecTweets. As the name implies, this is for business-types (the kinds of people who -- I guess -- buy Microsoft software). That is, Microsoft has a site, in partnership with Federated Media, to aggregate tweets from executives. For what? I'm not sure. And how will we know that the tweeters are executives? I'm not sure of that, either.
All in all, Twitter's first attempt at monetization is mildly interesting. But I'm assuming it's just the start. And, in light of Twitter's mastery of media, I'm sure we'll see a steady stream of new ideas that will keep up the momentum.
Tom Taulli is the author of various books, including The Complete M&A Handbook
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
3-24-2009 @ 1:28PM
Zeta said...
Twitter will never survive on it's own, if Microsoft wants to help, why don't they just purchase the company, and integrate some of the features into Windows Live/MSN (of course, without ruining the Twitter site as well). Twitter is small and wouldn't cost that much, plus it has major potential.
3-24-2009 @ 1:34PM
Zeta said...
Not to mention, Microsoft is already doing well with it's Windows Live/MSN portals. Twitter could help boost those services, and help them better compete with Yahoo and Google.
I love Live Search, I don't even use Google anymore.
IMHO, MSN Video is better than Youtube.
I think they are doing fantastic right now.
3-24-2009 @ 1:46PM
Michael said...
@Zeta, I've always wondered...How is it really working for Microsoft? I hear they have a great benefits package.