Thomson Reuters planning new desktop

Thomson Reuters announced Monday that its launching a new desktop that will include social media features in a bid to win customers away from Bloomberg L.P.

Jennifer Saba of Reuters writes, “Thomson Reuters maintained a slight lead in the markets segment over main competitor Bloomberg in 2009, with a 33 percent market share and sector revenue of $7.5 billion, compared with Bloomberg’s 28 percent and revenue of $6.2 billion, according to consultant Burton-Taylor International.

“Thomson Reuters has close to 500,000 users, almost half of them premium subscribers. Bloomberg says it has about 288,000.

“Bloomberg launched an upgraded version of its desktop in the summer, offering user-friendly features such as more intuitive search. Bloomberg is known for its grip on clients particular market segments addicted to its messaging system.

“Thomson Reuters is betting that updated features allowing users to comment, chat and email charts, stories and other data will counter Bloomberg’s messaging.”

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