Microsoft Opens Messaging Service to AOL, Yahoo Users

In its next version of software that provides instant messaging capabilities, Microsoft will provide an add-on feature that will allow companies using AOL and Yahoo to communicate across networks that use MSN Instant Messenger. Initially, the service will only be available for businesses who are willing to pay for the service. No word when it might be opened up to individual consumers who use the free version of MSN Instant Messenger. Read all about it.

July 15, 2004 by Uncategorized 2

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2 Responses

  1. Cyberpunk Librarian says:
    July 15, 2004 at 11:52 pm

    Or, why wait?

    Or you can use something like Trillian, a multi IM platform supporting YIM, AIM, ICQ, MSN, and even IRC. (How’s that for a buncha three letter abbreviations?) I’d still recommend an honest to goddess IRC client for IRC stuff, but for a quick connect for chat or questions, it suffices. Oh yeah, it’s also available for the low low price of $Free.99. You don’t have to pay Microsoft for anything and their idea seems a day late and a dollar short.

    Actually at least a year late, Trillian’s been around for a while and the whole multi client chat programme’s been around longer than that. And most progs like that, especially for Linux, tend to be free. Sooooo… what are they selling here? Something that already exists and is available for free? I applaud their marketing forethought, while I laugh at them.

    Also, every now and again either Yahoo or AOL try and block programmes like Trillian from accessing their network. Cerulean Studios usually has a patch out for the programme within 24 hours. Sometimes sooner. Always free.

    Reply
  2. pv_sapl says:
    July 16, 2004 at 1:23 am

    Messenger Service is not same as MSN Messenger
    From the article:

    Unlike MSN Messenger, Microsoft’s separately offered messaging software allows businesses to install instant messaging within corporate networks, where conversations can be monitored and saved, much like enterprise e-mail.

    The ability to connect to AOL and Yahoo’s instant messaging networks will be an add-on feature to the next version of Microsoft software that enables messaging, called Live Communications Server, due out by the end of this year, Collyer said.

    This webpage discusses the differences between the Microsoft Messengers should one be interested in that sort of thing.

    Reply

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