Microsoft gives web analytics the chop

Microsoft announced earlier this month it's scrapping an effort to develop a general purpose web analytics program.

In a blog posting, Microsoft said it is closing the beta of Microsoft AdCenter Analytics.

"The insights you've contributed through your feedback and your use of the tool have served an invaluable purpose in shaping Microsoft's future in this space," Microsoft said in the 12 March blog posting.

"You've helped us work towards making an informed decision about building a general web analytics solution and despite the end of life plan, the beta was very much a success. It enabled us to confidently determine that we can be of most value to advertisers and publishers by offering a tailored solution that meets more specialised needs."

Those already in the beta will be able to continue using the tool until 31 December.

Microsoft said: "We recommend that you use the coming months to evaluate your web analytics needs and leverage that information to conduct a search for an alternative web analytics solution." The software maker has posted a list of alternatives that includes Google Analytics, Yahoo! Web Analytics and Omniture.

Although Microsoft announced layoffs and other cost cuts in January, the company has axed relatively few products. Among the products it has scrapped in recent months are Windows Live OneCare and PerformancePoint Server, a business intelligence product.

Original article: Microsoft ditches Web analytics effort from CNET News.com