*The lesson here? Moving from the "analog" version of encyclopedia to the "digital" version of an encyclopedia does not save you from decay and obsolescence. On the contrary. The legendary 1912 Britannica will probably be pretty legible in 100 years; in ten years, you'll have to explain "Microsoft Encarta" to people — assuming that they know enough to ask.
http://encarta.msn.com/guide_page_FAQ/FAQ.html
Important Notice: MSN Encarta to be Discontinued
On October 31, 2009, MSN® Encarta® Web sites worldwide will be discontinued, with the exception of Encarta Japan, which will be discontinued on December 31, 2009. Additionally, Microsoft will cease to sell Microsoft Student and Encarta Premium software products worldwide by June 2009. We understand that Encarta users may have questions regarding this announcement so we have prepared this list of questions and answers below. Please keep reading if you would like more information about these changes to Encarta.
Why are these Encarta Web sites and software products being discontinued?
Encarta has been a popular product around the world for many years. However, the category of traditional encyclopedias and reference material has changed. People today seek and consume information in considerably different ways than in years past. As part of Microsoft’s goal to deliver the most effective and engaging resources for today’s consumer, it has made the decision to exit the Encarta business.
Microsoft's vision is that everyone around the world needs to have access to quality education, and we believe that we can use what we’ve learned and assets we’ve accrued with offerings like Encarta to develop future technology solutions. In doing so, we feel strongly that we are making the right investments that will help make our vision a reality. (((May one ask HOW LONG that vision will remain a reality? And what pathetic traces, if any, will be left of that vision when it too succumbs like Encarta?
Not just abandoned, like an unsupported book, but ritually vanished from human ken, like a dead commercial software service loaded to the gills with auto-annihilating IP.)))
When are these Encarta Web sites and software products being discontinued?
MSN Encarta worldwide (except Japan) will be discontinued on October 31, 2009. MSN Encarta Japan will be discontinued on December 31, 2009. After these specified dates, the Web sites will no longer be available.
Microsoft Student and Encarta Premium software products are also being discontinued. Microsoft will stop making them available for sale by June 2009....
