Microsoft will eliminate their Tag service on August 19, 2015.
Publications and journals promoting their work through the use of Microsoft Tags may want to re-think their mobile barcode strategy after Microsoft’s announcement on Monday.
On August 19, 2015, Microsoft Tag codes will expire. In the notice provided to customers on Monday, the company addressed several concerns, including how long current customers could access and use their accounts, as well as how they can begin migration.
In section 2.1 of the Tag Terms of Use page on Microsoft’s site, the company stated that basic features will be available “until at least January 1, 2015.” This announcement meets their Tag Terms of Use, which states that Microsoft will “provide at least two years prior notice before we terminate the Basic Features or entire Tag Service and provide the Basic Features as part of the Tag Service for as long as we operate the Tag Service generally.”
This means that Microsoft, who announced termination of the Tag Service generally on August 19, can immediately terminate any and all features of the Service except for the Basic Features. They can then terminate the Basic Features two years later, on August 19, 2015.
Microsoft is encouraging that current customers prepare for the termination of their Tag service by transitioning to QR codes through Scanbuy. Scanbuy, who uses a platform titled ScanLife, will be offering services to Microsoft Tag customers as of September 18.
“This transition path will help you to continue running your campaigns using Microsoft Tags on the ScanLife platform,” the August 19 release stated.
ScanLife’s website currently offers a “welcome package” to customers using Microsoft Tags. This free package includes basic usage information, simplified code publishing and online support.
For more information on QR codes, visit our website.
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