A test in Australia of social networking features for users of MSN Spaces lets users add their friends via a new module.
For once it’s a beta test that isn’t US-only to start. Windows Live director Phil Holden announced from Australia how MSN Spaces users in that country can try out the new social networking module.
He described Microsoft’s approach to social networking with this trial:
Our approach to social networking is designed to enable a way for customers to communicate and connect in more meaningful way with their circle of friends and in particular their friends and their friends’ friends. We are doing this by adding this feature to our existing network – be it Messenger, Spaces or Mail rather than build a unique social network. That’s often a little different from other services and I’m interesting to see how things play out especially as My Spaces is doing pretty well in this market and just this week Yahoo launched their 360 service here.
Holden also noted how their social networking will enable users to maintain control of their friendships. MSN Spaces users can invite other users to be part of their Friends list, and only if the other user agrees will they be added to the social network.
Those users can set permissions to determine what information they will and won’t share, and with whom they will share it. Holden wrote that the Friends list shows the invitations that have been sent out and the status of those invites.
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David Utter is a staff writer for Murdok covering technology and business.
