Bell And Microsoft Cut Sympatico/MSN Ties Tomorrow, Get Ready For New Websites

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I few weeks ago I had mentioned the “divorce” between Bell and Microsoft which created Canada’s largest portal Sympatico/MSN.ca is about to get the plug.  Bell has made an official announcement today where they outline a new partnership with Microsoft and new websites will be launch tomorrow, September 1, 2009.  A new three deal has been signed and both companies will continue to work together and exchange traffic between each other’s portals, while Sympatico.ca will also leverage the new Bing(R) search engine and continue to offer Windows Live, Hotmail and Messenger inventory to Canadian advertisers.  The default home page for sympatico.msn.ca will move to Sympatio.ca

“Over the last 14 years, Sympatico.ca has been Canada’s leading portal. Bell is a pioneer in the industry and we have continued to build on the Sympatico portal’s popularity as we evolve to meet our clients’ needs,” said Kevin Crull, President of Bell Residential Services. “In our five successful years managing and operating the joint sympatico.msn.ca portal, Bell has seen the Internet advertising industry evolve significantly. It’s clear that creating two distinct portals now allows market expansion by both partners in terms of new online advertising and revenue opportunities.”

Bell has also launched four new portal channels today including Autos, InMovies.ca, YourMoney.ca and Best Health, a Reader’s Digest publication.  Microsoft will continue to operate msn.ca and has been busy hiring advertising and editorial staff over the last few month to continue to operate their online portal.

Sympatico.ca was originally launched in 1995 and as of September 1, 2009 the end or an era is at hand.

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Founder of Profectio of business sites which includes Profectio, PR In Canada and Clean Tech Corner. He is also Founder of Toronto Tech Week. Follow Dave on Twitter or Facebook