Some members have expressed a deep concern about Neowin showcasing screenshots of Windows Live Messenger 9, they say it breaches the non disclosure agreement (NDA) they signed with Microsoft.
While this new version is most definitely not a state secret, and widely known on most if not all tech related websites (even as far as listing the new features), we have decided to pull the screenshots due to claims that the beta could be comprimised should it not remain low-key. I know that new software from Microsoft such as Live Messenger generates a lot of interest for those not lucky enough to be on the beta, but we reckon it's a good idea to wait until Microsoft formally announces the beta of Windows Live Messenger and makes it available to a wider audience.
So for now, good luck Live Messenger team and those who are testing it!
Update: I'd like to point out to avoid confusion that we were not contacted by Microsoft, I consulted an MS contact on this matter myself.
While this new version is most definitely not a state secret, and widely known on most if not all tech related websites (even as far as listing the new features), we have decided to pull the screenshots due to claims that the beta could be comprimised should it not remain low-key. I know that new software from Microsoft such as Live Messenger generates a lot of interest for those not lucky enough to be on the beta, but we reckon it's a good idea to wait until Microsoft formally announces the beta of Windows Live Messenger and makes it available to a wider audience.
So for now, good luck Live Messenger team and those who are testing it!
Update: I'd like to point out to avoid confusion that we were not contacted by Microsoft, I consulted an MS contact on this matter myself.
"Microsoft formerly announces" in last sentence of second paragraph should use formally, not formerly.
sorry to nit-pick.. just trying to help out!
haha no problem, i hope you didn't take it offensively. i mis-type all the time!
In order to break a NDA you need to have first signed it. The people who supplied us with the screenshots will have to ask themselves if they broke the NDA or not. Neobond stated that we have removed the screenshots in order to preserve the integrity of the beta program (something that many of our readers find very valuable).
It's not MS so much that gets hurt by it.
It's the testers, and then the public who gets the shaft.
Leaked info off of private builds leads to clamping down on builds given to testers
Clamped down testing leads to lower quality/quantity of feedback which leads to lower quality product.
Microsoft worked wonders when they finally decided to open up beta testing to a larger audience and the "average Joe" instead of restricting it to the old boys club of MVP's (aka as the 80's and 90's era).
Microsoft worked wonders when they finally decided to open up beta testing to a larger audience and the "average Joe" instead of restricting it to the old boys club of MVP's (aka as the 80's and 90's era).
MS actually accepts suggestions from anyone who wants to submit them, and always has.
Right now there's only about 1,000 testers (last I was told) on this project.
It's a very very early build, and that's what the upset is about.
Also this version will be opened up for a larger group of testers (both public and managed) at a later date.
So the public will have a good chance to take a look at it and help out.
Also anyone who wants to become involved in the process and help out can always sign up for Microsoft Connect and start testing after receiving invites. How else do you think we become testers?
Correction.
A NDA is a two parts agreed contract, in this case betatester and Microsoft Corporation, if a third part decided to publish a screenshot then this third party is free to do cause this third party signed and have not obligation with Microsoft Corporation.
For example, a unscrupulous lawyer can publish a NDA information in this webpage using a alias, and later he can sue Neowin because Neowin published a NDA material. Of course this can happens.
Anyways, MS told you a lot of lies, for example the protection again to publish benchmark of their system, indeed in this case they loss. And, we don't forget that a online contract, CLUF and alikes weight nothing in the real world.
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Internet/Chat...ssenger-9.shtml
If it's not from us, assume that we didn't pack it. Use at your own risk.
This is called "the secret of paranoid little girl". If you are hiding something then you are loosing a chance to spot the crap by someone else before it explodes in the face on release day.
Members who at school were the "I'm TELLING on you" type.
The NDA policy is probably something that is applicable for every beta that has ever been released, from OS's to every program unless it has been released officially. The reason that it has not been released is solely due to the reason that the company does not want to disclose the product or wants to wait sometime to release the beta/final. Releasing and posting the screenies of such a software, would just be another "dirty job", against the companies wishes. Yes others are doing it, Neowin is surely not a sheep in the flock. And I'm really happy that the NeoWin staff respects other companies policies. Continue the good work people! Cheers!
So stop whining.
What happened to innovation anyway?
It was a bit of a surprise to see the shots in the first place.
I can't wait until it comes out.
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