On Monday Microsoft announced the launch of So.Cl, its social media platform geared towards helping students collaborate and discover web content with their friends. Oddly enough, the homepage does not mention anything about students at the present. Although non-students can join as well, Microsoft has stressed that the platform is complimentary to other social networks; they are not looking to go head to head with the likes of Facebook. All in all, it does not seem like a platform that major brands and online marketing firms would greatly benefit from. Here are some initial reactions from writers and readers:
On Monday Microsoft announced the launch of So.Cl, its social media platform geared towards helping students collaborate and discover web content with their friends. Oddly enough, the homepage does not mention anything about students at the present. Although non-students can join as well, Microsoft has stressed that the platform is complimentary to other social networks; they are not looking to go head to head with the likes of Facebook. All in all, it does not seem like a platform that major brands and online marketing firms would greatly benefit from. Here are some initial reactions from writers and readers:
Ian Paul from PC World: So.cl is a curious take on social networking and is definitely not for everyone. I’d say if you’re life is already filled with tweets, Facebook likes, and LinkedIn status updates, you can safely skip So.cl without missing much.
Alan Henry from Lifehacker: While it doesn’t feel like its purpose is fully defined, and it doesn’t do anything that other social networks don’t already do, there are still people on it.
Andi Barton from Likeable: Users will not feel bombarded by yet another Google+ trying to offer a Facebook style network to add to their agenda. They are able to use So.Cl for separate academic needs, creating a new ease for their group based research.
Mashable comment: “I think I’ve reached a point in which new social networks are not required any longer, at least not general purpose ones. Bring me some specialty networks, then we can talk.”
CNet comment: I think it has a chance to succeed. It doesn’t directly compete with Google + or Facebook, instead it targets a market that would be willing to look to new services to collaborate with, it might also appeal to those that liked Google wave.
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