So.cl - Microsoft's research social network site
In the world of searching and sharing technology here is Microsoft releasing its own Social site So.cl which makes social searching and sharing easier and more efficient. Targeting the University students it aims to find out how much social sharing helps in the process of learning. This article will give an overview of what exactly is So.cl
The world is today captured by the technology of search and share. These tools have become part and parcel of our lives. Anything and everything revolves around them. From a small school assignment to big management projects everything requires the search technology. Further who doesn't want to share ones moments with the whole world. The share technology has made a world a small place to live in. People love sharing the holiday photos sharing videos and links. This not only helps in networking but also widens ones horizon of knowledge. Search & Share let me call it SNS technology has spread its magic gripping the whole world in its tentacles.
So how can Microsoft the pioneer in the world of technology be aloof of it? Here's Microsoft launching its own social network the So.Cl network pronounced as social network. What is So.cl network?
The So.Cl Network is an experimental research project by Microsoft. FUSE Lab is implementing this project which is still in the beta testing procedure as of date and its launch is yet apprehensive. The So.cl network is an experimental research targeting the University students providing them with social media tool to facilitate sharing and communicating amongst their friend circle. It will provide a platform to enable sharing process and get access to what to share.Features of So.cl
So.cl network will be like social sites enabling sharing, commenting and tagging of pictures. It will comprise of three block layout with navigation tools on the left hand side, invite and other options on the right hand side and social feed in the centre. Apart from this there will be a tab in the centre on the top indicating what are you searching for? 
Highlights of So.cl
So.cl can be accessed by logging into any account like Facebook , Google+ or Windows Live accounts. Once logged in one will be presented with myriads of options and suggested topics. The bookmarklet feature enables the option of sharing on the toolbar helping the user to share the web pages or links with many. Apart from this, it also has a riff feature to help edit and improvise content and then share it. Not just with texts, So.cl has has a flavour of Videos too. You get to choose your favourite video or rather select a part of video, have options to assemble together videos and share it amongst your friends. So you want to share your collection of video, web links and texts So.cl makes it easier to do it.
Why So.cl
So.cl is a research experiment to gauge how the tool helps students in sharing and learning stuffs. So.cl gives a platform to discuss about favourite topics ranging from food, music, travel and lots more. But why is Microsoft building up a technology in the similar manner as that of other social sites and how much momentum it will gain in the students is still not confirmed. Linking with Facebook and other accounts will no doubt prove beneficiary to it but the net result of the research is still not confirmed. It will kind of an extended social search but how much successful it will be only time can tell us.
So.cl is a step of Microsoft in social media market. But it looks more like an extension of Facebook, Twitter or Google Plus instead of an alternative. It needs many more upgrades and improvement to compete with them. Many people have even heard about it. It looks like Microsoft is not paying much to Socl.