Microsoft launches its own online “Genius Bar” for premium support

By Tom Warren, on 8th Dec 11 10:07 am with 31 Comments

Microsoft Answer Desk

Microsoft revealed its Answer Desk support system on Wednesday, promising premium tech support 24/7.

The software maker launched AnswerDesk.com on Wednesday without any fanfare or promotion. The site appears to offer a 24/7 on demand service that helps end users connect to tech specialists. The naming is identical to Microsoft’s own in store Answer Desk service that works in a very similar way to Apple’s Genius Bar support system.

Fusible reported the existence of the site on Wednesday and notes that Microsoft has acquired a number of localized domain names for Answer Desk. At present the site is only accessible from IP addresses located in the United States. Microsoft says “we are working to expand our service internationally to best support all Microsoft customers.” An about us page describes the service:

Answer Desk is a premium service provided by Microsoft to give you the most convenient, friendly and easy way to get the most out of your PC.  Answer Desk Answer Techs are trained to diagnose and troubleshoot your Microsoft software related issues. Answer Techs are also knowledgeable to train you in Microsoft’s latest software, such as Microsoft Windows 7 and Microsoft Office 2010. Our Answer Techs will take care of your technology needs as quickly and easily as possible, so you can get back to your life.

Who are the Answer Desk Answer Techs?

Answer Desk Answer Techs are highly trained, and qualified in their domain of knowledge, including popular software such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint.  In addition, they are professional, friendly, and dedicated to solving your PC issues without resorting to technology jargon.

  • Guest

    “Sorry,this site restricted to US visitors only.”

    • Anonymous

      “Microsoft says “we are working to expand our service internationally to best support all Microsoft customers.” 

    • Anonymous

      thats the message always

    • Anonymous

      One of Microsoft’s registered trademark I guess. It’s been there for more than a decade.

    • Anonymous

      When will you people finally accept that the rest of the world doesn’t matter?

  • Anonymous

    OMG! thats what hold Microsoft from reaching everybody in the world with services…………..

  • lol

    Sick and tired of articles always referring to Apple products when anyone brings out something new. Tom how bout you be a good journalist and not refer to Apple products when writing your article. It really shows the lack of journalistic skill when journalists refer to Apple products in their article.

    • Candid Calum

      If Microsoft release something that is either similar to or the same as another company’s product, it makes sense to compare them. People compare competitors’ similar offerings all the time, as it makes sense.

    • http://techin5.com Jubbin Grewal @Techin5.com

      That was a pretty stupid comment. In fact by comparing it to a similar product/service that everyone is aware of, if gives people a better idea of what Microsoft’s new product/service is. That in fact, is good journalistic skills.

    • Anonymous

      Granted, the endless Apple comparisons can get a bit annoying.  But in this case, Tom was probably right to point out the similarities to Genius Bar.  That would be like complaining that the Zune is compared to the iPod.

    • http://www.elmsoftware.com elmsoftware

      It is a direct response to the Genius bar, just online.

    • Anonymous

      otherwise known as tech support or customer support that all companies have. Some companies charge extra for it and some give it for free with the purchase of a product.  If there is something I’m missing, please let me know.

    • Guest

      Or the genius bar was a direct response to the support available from PC OEMs and MS for many years, just in-store and with a catchy name.

  • Allah

    penius bar

  • http://twitter.com/alexh2o Alex H

    Is their tag line really “for people that don’t know any better”?!?! Are you for real Microsoft?

    • Guest

      I cringed when I read that, too! Thankfully, I couldn’t find it anywhere on the website.

    • http://www.elmsoftware.com elmsoftware

      I surely hope that that is bogus copy.  If it is false, I hope Tom changes the image, because it paints an insulting tone to their ‘help’.

    • Guest

      Yeah, that’s ridiculous.

    • Anonymous

      his chest is bigger than hers….

    • Guest

      I call fake. Even MS can’t be that stupid. Looks more like the work of some iClown.

  • Ze_netio

    Its a bad start…

    • http://profiles.google.com/kroenen.karl Aurélien Ramondou

      why ?

  • Anonymous

    Well, at least it sounds less pretentious than “Genius Bar”

    • Justfortherecord

      true dat

    • Guest

      Ya but then again another example MS being a follower 8-(

    • Anonymous

      Follower? Providing knowledgeable people to help customers?

      I guess I don’t get what you mean by follower.

  • http://www.mainstreetchatham.com/ JimmyFal

    Who did it first and best? GATEWAY. Toll free support 24/7, ENGLISH speaking, outstanding specs for the cheapest prices and retail outlets for customers. AND, I used to get paid $50 for every system I sold. I had a sales relationship with specific salesman at Gateway, and I made GOOD money pushing the systems.

    In the early days it was Gates, Jobs, Michael Dell and Ted Waite. The day Acer bought Gateway was one of the worst days for consumers, and marked the beginning of the crapware nightmares.

    Those Microsoft Stores can’t come fast enough. What’s amazing to me is how incredibly stupid MS has been up until now in learning how to make consumers happy by not making them feel stupid. That byline up top must be a joke, cuz it’s definately not a good idea.

    • Guest

      No, no, no, Jimmy. Apple invented it. Just ignore Gateway, or Sony, or even MS themselves whose first store predated all Apple stores. Just go with the established meme: Apple invented everything ever created in the technology market, period.

  • Anonymous

    I have always hated term “Genius Bar” used by Apple.  I always make my skin crawl with condescension.  It is just a glorified name for a help desk.  

    • http://www.mainstreetchatham.com/ JimmyFal

      Dude, I’m still laughing. That really is the best word I can think of to say it all about Apple fans. Condescending. I love it. I’m successful with my customers because I’m not condescending to them.  Some Apple guys are like the annoying little kid that wants to be first in line. It’s nice that they want to be best and annoying that they act like they are even when they are not. Hahahahahahhahahah. Some of my best friends are condescending Apple guys, and I love the back and forth debate, just sports for me.

  • Dalgarven

    Okay, who else is thinking of the characters in ‘The Big Bang Theory’.