MSN Vs. Windows Live: The Differences, the Content - and the Confusion

As Microsoft is embarking on several projects in the Internet space that will redefine its MSN portal, with the addition of a second brand called Windows Live that will focus on consumer online communications products and web services while thew main MSN experience focuses more on new-media ventures, the public - and the press as well - are starting to have tunnel vision over the whole thing. After all, most portals such as that ofered by MSN deliver both content and services together without messing with an additional brand operated by the business behind the primary brand for online services - even a long-standing one such as MSN - so the confusion is somewhat understandable. But it's not like some refocusing was inevitable with services going to Live and content staying at MSN, so we're kind of stuck with it. However, since these changes are only the beginning for both the new Windows Live and existing MSN systems, it's time somebody touched on the issues at hand. So here goes...