Microsoft shuts Encarta - killed by Wiki

 Microsoft will discontinue publication of its MSN Encarta online reference site and related software products later this year, according to a notice quietly posted on the site, as spotted by Emil Protalinksi of Ars Technica. The decision comes after years of competition with Wikipedia, the popular online encyclopedia that relies on the contributions of experts and other users for its material.

"Encarta has been a popular product around the world for many years," the notice says. "However, the category of traditional encyclopedias and reference material has changed. People today seek and consume information in considerably different ways than in years past. As part of Microsoft's goal to deliver the most effective and engaging resources for today's consumer, it has made the decision to exit the Encarta business." 

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