Webmails have existed since the beginning of the internet with a few companies leading the way. Hotmail, Yahoo and many others were there to start with competing with one another to get clients onboard and they used to be ad supported which enabled media partners to generate revenues this way. However, as time went by, Google managed to gain entry into the market, starting off with a powerful search engine that has ever since led the way. With the introduction of Gmail, the popularity of Yahoo and Hotmail was jeopardized because of the brand recognition and powerful backing of the most powerful internet company. The trend would continue and competition will also continue to take its toll.
Microsofts outlook was one of the most powerful email clients that came standard with windows and office installations. However, being a desktop only client tends to have its own downsides which has led the company to start a web based service as discussed on outlooksignin.info. Is this service going to pose a challenge to Google? Time will tell but consumers can enjoy the best of services due to this rivalry. Whether you choose Google products over Microsofts is a decision that you will have to make as both provide excellent webmail services.