14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has discontinued adCenter Analytics beta as of March 12, 2009. However, the discontinuation of the the adCenter Analytics beta program is only the proverbial “beginning of the end” for Gatineau, which will be completely killed off by the end of 2009. The software giant only announced that it was shutting down the Beta program for adCenter Analytics and that no additional testers would receive invitations, but failed to make public the reasons behind this move.
“The beta has been closed, but the program will remain available to current users through December 31, 2009,” revealed Mel Carson, adCenter Community Manager. “Please note that all hosted services, data collection, and technical support will end at that time. If you would like to save your historical data, please use the export feature to download your reports before December 31, 2009.”
Carson extended Microsoft's thanks to all testers that participated in the beta program, and which will be left out hanging at the end of the year. And not exactly, since they will be able to turn to different companies that are already offering web analytics solutions. In this regard, Microsoft has compiled a list of web analytics providers which current adCenter Analytics Beta users can turn to, and the Redmond company has not been shy of recommending Google Analytics as an alternative.
“Our objectives at the outset were to serve the needs of small and midsize self-service customers, as well as evolve the Microsoft strategy to address the Web analytics space,” Carson added. “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. 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.”