http://www.microsoft.com/DEVNEWS/ISCHANGE.HTM (PC Press Internet CD, 03/1996)February 12, 1996
In December, Microsoft announced plans to migrate Internet Studio, its online publishing tool formerly known by the code name "Blackbird," from a product based primarily on technology specific to The Microsoft Network (MSN) to one based completely on Internet standards. To accomplish this more quickly, Microsoft recently announced that it would move directly to a standards-based Internet version and forgo the MSN-only version of Internet Studio.
No product release date has been announced.
The decision is consistent with the overall MSN strategy to become an Internet online service. MSN plans to move much of its content to an HTML format over the coming year, and will work with content providers on the specific details of this plan as it evolves.
The decision will allow Microsoft to support fully, in the first product release of Internet Studio, the Windows Internet Platform (code named "Sweeper") initiative announced in December. Microsoft is also very eager to incorporate high-end Internet Studio features (such as unrestricted, frame-based layout) directly into the HTML standard by working closely with the industry and the W3C.
"We understand that this decision may impact you and the work you've been doing with Internet Studio," wrote Roger Heinen, senior vice president of Microsoft's Developer Division, in a recent letter to several hundred independent content providers. "Our goal is to help make this transition for you as smooth as possible, ultimately providing you with professional tools that create the richest, most interactive user experience with the maximum possible customer reach."
Microsoft FrontPage, a new product from Microsoft's Desktop Applications Division, is focused on making basic Web document publishing and site management easy for people who are not full-time Web publishing professionals. Microsoft FrontPage is a complementary Microsoft Office application, although it is not currently packaged with Office. (See Microsoft Adds FrontPage to its Web Publishing Tools, Developer Network News, January 19, 1996.) Internet Studio will be a high-end offering for commercial publishers and professional developers who want to create sophisticated, interactive Web content.