Welcome… Windows Live Hotmail

Windows Live Mail was built to supersede Hotmail, but there is some confusion among loyal fans of Hotmail. To resolve this confusion and attract those loyal fans into the new service, Microsoft has decided to rename Windows Live Mail as Windows Live Hotmail.

Richard Sim, Senior Product Manager writes: “As we prepare to launch the final version of our new web mail service, we recognize the importance of ensuring that our 260+ million existing customers come over to the new service smoothly and without confusion. By adopting the name “Windows Live Hotmail”, we believe we’re bringing together the best of both worlds – 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.”

There are some mixed responses among Hotmailers; some don’t like the name change, whereas few welcome it. Microsoft should try to lure new customers into the service, rather than attracting old customers by changing the name. Or else, they should drop the word “Windows” and “Hotmail” altogether leaving “Live Mail” which sounds catchier. Do you really think that there are plenty of Hotmail fanboys out there?