Microsoft Extends Instant Messaging to Wireless Phones

Microsoft Corp. is expanding its instant messaging service, MSN Messenger, to wireless phones, marking a significant move in the market dominated by America Online Inc. The development is viewed positively by the GSM community, which sees it as a means to drive data traffic on their networks and as recognition of the importance of wireless in IP traffic. Microsoft's move is expected to enhance its de facto standard, GSM short messaging services, and may ultimately lead to improved interoperability with other instant messaging services.

Key Takeaways:

• Microsoft is extending its MSN Messenger service to wireless phones, following America Online Inc.'s announcement of instant messaging services for mobile devices.
• The GSM community welcomes the move, seeing it as a means to boost data traffic on their networks and as recognition of the importance of wireless in IP traffic.
• Microsoft has been working with the Internet Engineering Task Force to develop a standard protocol for instant message transfer, which could lead to improved interoperability with other instant messaging services.
• The company plans to release versions of its MSN Messenger Service for Windows CE and WebTV software and set-top box, allowing the service to work with various transport mechanisms.
• Microsoft's move may enhance its de facto standard, GSM short messaging services, providing a further incentive for operators to adopt the technology.
• Operators have welcomed the development, with Mike Short, director of international affairs and strategy for mobile operator BT Cellnet, stating that there will be a variety of solutions and that the market will settle down.

Statistics:

• Microsoft plans to release its MSN Messenger Service for Windows CE and WebTV software and set-top box.
• The company has been working with the Internet Engineering Task Force to develop a standard protocol for instant message transfer.
• Microsoft has acquired Sendit AB, a Swedish developer of wireless messaging software, and has a stake in wireless operator Nextel Communications Inc.

Sources:

JOANNE TAAFFE, "Microsoft Extending MSN Messenger into Wireless", Mobile Europe, October 1999.

"Microsoft Unveils MSN Messenger Service for Wireless Phones", Mobile Europe, October 1999.

JONAS TWINGLER, quoted in JOANNE TAAFFE, "Microsoft Extending MSN Messenger into Wireless", Mobile Europe, October 1999.

MIKE SHORT, quoted in JOANNE TAAFFE, "Microsoft Extending MSN Messenger into Wireless", Mobile Europe, October 1999.