MSN Space sibling enters the world

Microsoft has unveiled the next generation of its blogging service MSN Spaces, claiming it will offer greater personalisation capabilities and safeguard social networking.

Launched yesterday, Windows Live Spaces is a new service that enables consumers to securely connect with friends in a virtual social network.

Security and privacy have been of paramount focus during development, according to the software giant. Privacy tools ensure users have permission settings to control who can contact them. A default profile setting ensures that only people listed in the Messenger contacts list can contact the recipient if they're under 18.

This announcement to ensure secure and safe dialogue online follows the one made on Wednesday this week by UK-based company NetIDme. It launched the world's first virtual identity card to safeguard the online experience for children. The Net-ID-me card enables children to verify the identity and age of people they talk to using instant messaging and other forms of online discussion.

Microsoft says users will be able to customise their site using mini-applications created by developers to aid personalisation. "With the release of products such as Windows Live Spaces, we continue to deliver on our mission of bringing customers closer to the information and people that matter to them most," said Steve Berkowitz, senior vice president of the Online Services Group at Microsoft.

"Windows Live and Internet-based ad-funded software and service are critical to driving growth for the company, and we are energised about the continued investments we're making to help provide consumers with a seamless and safer online experience."

The Windows Live Spaces Contacts list is integrated across Windows Live Messenger, Windows Live Mail and other services so that users can initiate dialogue from within Live Spaces if they're already on each other's Windows Live Messenger buddy list.

By the end of the summer, Microsoft says it plans to ship up to 10 Windows Live beta services in addition to a number of new safety services.

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