Launched as The Microsoft Network in 1995, MSN became the company’s public face and its first major consumer brand. Initially, it would be lilttle more than a dial-up internet provider launched to support Windows 95 and its shiny new web capabilities. Over time, it would evolve into a web portal covering the company’s range of consumer-oriented online services and products. In 2005, MSN’s major features – Hotmail and Messenger – were stolen away and used to create the Windows Live feature, but Microsoft’s surprise announcement means the platform is coming full circle once more. Continue reading this press release here.