Microsoft, NBC merge financial Web sites

In an age of dot.com bankruptcies and consolidations, Microsoft and its media partner NBC announced they are combining their financial Web sites, MoneyCentral.com and CNBC.com. The CNBC MoneyCentral service will be aimed at providing personal financing services to consumers.

The new site will be part of Microsoft Network (MSN) that also includes the Slate magazine and Hotmail email service. Microsoft will operate the Web site out of its Redmond headquarters, while editorial services will be split between Redmond and Fort Lee, New Jersey where CNBC is based.

For Microsoft, a broader content offering is a driving motivation in the consolidation of the two sites. The CNBC MoneyCentral site will also be part of Microsoft’s forthcoming Internet-based premium service, called HailStorm which is part of the .NET program and include an instant messaging system and e-mail.