Goodbye MSN Encarta. Was Wikipedia too Much?

Microsoft has finally decided to put an end to its once extremely popular encyclopedia Microsoft Encarta. On October 31, 2009, MSN® Encarta® Web sites worldwide will be discontinued, with the exception of Encarta Japan, which will be discontinued on December 31, 2009. This is perhaps a direct result of the vast popularity of Wikipedia that made Encarta. Its understandable that any product that is for free and which is updated almost within hours will be better accepted than a product that is pricey and isn’t updated until the next version comes out. But there is more to it.

Yes I understand that all Wikipedia needs is just an internet connection and a laptop to get connected and know about anything you wish. But tell me, how many of you will rely on Wikipedia about a sensitive information (without any other proof/ reference) than Encarta. Wikipedia has faced complaints time and time again for its inaccuracy and the lazy structure that doesn’t let someone edit and write what he knows unless you know the wiki-concept well. Whereas, Microsoft Encarta was widely accepted in schools and colleges. This discontinuation will only harm the students I guess.

Wikipedia was pretty quick, (quicker than usual) to point out Encarta’s closing down. And as Microsoft says

Encarta has been a popular product around the world for many years. However, the category of traditional encyclopedias and reference material has changed. People today seek and consume information in considerably different ways than in years past. As part of Microsoft’s goal to deliver the most effective and engaging resources for today’s consumer, it has made the decision to exit the Encarta business.
Microsoft’s vision is that everyone around the world needs to have access to quality education, and we believe that we can use what we’ve learned and assets we’ve accrued with offerings like Encarta to develop future technology solutions. In doing so, we feel strongly that we are making the right investments that will help make our vision a reality.

So, will Microsoft be generous enough to donate all the data to some organization who are keen to distribute it for free? I guess that is the best way they can walk out of it gracefully and wining a lot of hearts.