Microsoft is to close its QR-like Tag programme, handing over the reins to barcode specialist ScanBuy.

Microsoft Tag is a free platform that works with the software giant's own HCCB multicolored 2D barcode scheme as well as QR codes and NFC. The barcodes represent URLs, and all reads are redirected through Microsoft's servers so Tag owners get access to analytics and usage reporting.

Microsoft will stop supporting the Tag platform on 19 August 2015, though users are invited to move to Scanbuy's Scanlife platform which will offer ongoing support for the technology from next month.