Microsoft takes aim at BBC iPlayer

Microsoft has launched their TV hosting service MSN video player in a bid to win market share of the online TV audience. The MSN site currently sits in 13th place of most popular sites and the new service and Paddy Power quotes 7/4 that the move will propel them into the top 10.

Breaking the inertia around popular sites is very hard though and MSN faces a tough battle against BBC’s iplayer. Paddy Power has MSN at 3/1 to overtake the BBC online by 2011 but 1/5 that they will find it too hard to beat the national broadcaster.

Roberto Coladangelo spokesman for Paddy Power said, “We admire people who challenge the market leader and wish Microsoft luck but the iplayer has been around for a while now and habits are hard to break.”

Will MSN overtake BBC by 2011?

• 1/5 No
• 3/1 Yes

Where will MSN rank on Jan 1st 2011?

• 100/1 Number 1
• 12/1 Number 2 - 5
• 7/4 Number 6 - 10
• 2/5 Outside Top 10

*According to www.alexa.com/topsites/countries/GB