Microsoft sticks with Hotmail name

After months of planning to kill off the Hotmail name, Microsoft has decided to keep the venerable brand, as it works to overhaul its free web email service.

Microsoft said on Thursday that the revamped service, still in beta testing phase, is being renamed “Windows Live Hotmail” rather than the originally planned “Windows Live Mail”. In a blog posting, senior product manager Richard Sim said some people had found the name change confusing.

“As we prepare to launch the final version of our new web mail service, we recognise the importance of ensuring that our 260-plus million existing customers come over to the new service smoothly and without confusion,” Sim said. “By adopting the name ‘Windows Live Hotmail’, we believe we’re bringing together the best of both worlds ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äù new and old. We’re able to offer the great new technology that Windows Live has to offer, while also bringing the emotional connection many existing and loyal users have with Hotmail.”

Full article: ZDNet.co.uk