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Microsoft Mandates MSN Messenger Update

'Security issues' prompt lockout threat for users of older and consolidator programs.

Joris Evers, IDG News Service

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Microsoft is changing its MSN instant messaging service to lock out users of third-party software that uses the service as well as users of older versions of Microsoft's own Messenger client, the company says.

Users must upgrade to newer versions of MSN or Windows Messenger by October 15 or they will no longer be able to log on, says Sean Sundwall, a Microsoft spokesperson. The upgrade is required because of "security issues" with the older versions of the Messenger clients, Sundwall says, declining to specify the issues.

Users of Messenger clients older than MSN Messenger 5.0, Windows Messenger 4.7.2000, or MSN Messenger for Mac 3.5 will be locked out, according to Microsoft.

Consolidators Affected

The move also affects IM software such as Trillian, Imici, and Odigo, that lets users consolidate multiple IM accounts in one client, Sundwall says.

"It is our expectation that those who use our service with unlicensed or unauthorized third-party clients will likely not be able to log on after October 15," Sundwall says. "We would encourage those third parties to contact us to work out agreements by which they can continue to have their customers access our network."

Sundwall would not comment on what type of agreement Microsoft would want with third-party IM software providers.

"We are very interested in interoperating with all third parties. There just needs to be a formal agreement," he says.

However, Trillian users who posted comments to an online forum are hopeful. Microsoft's action may affect current versions, but a new version of Trillian is said to support the latest IM protocols also found in Microsoft's MSN Messenger 6, according to postings to a forum on Trillian's Web site.

The consolidator has weathered other jabs from instant messaging services. America Online periodically alters its AOL Instant Messenger program to be incompatible with Trillian and other consolidator programs. Cerulean Studios typically tweaks Trillian to again work with AIM.

E-Mail Alert

Microsoft on Monday sent e-mail alerting MSN users to upgrade. Some MSN users reported receiving a dozen or more copies of the same message, which some thought resembled a hoax or prank. The first line is all capital letters: "ATTENTION: IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED FOR MSN AND WINDOWS MESSENGER USERS."

Also, the messages warn users their IM service will be cut unless they upgrade: "NOTICE: If you are not using an updated version, you will be unable to continue using your MSN Messenger or Windows Messenger Service."

In fact, the message is genuine and sent by Microsoft to all users of older Messenger clients and third-party programs that to Microsoft's network look like older Messenger clients, Sundwall says. A relatively small number of people got multiple e-mail messages because of a "snafu" in Microsoft's e-mail system, he adds.

"We sent out this e-mail because it is important that people understand that there is a new security standard in the newer Messenger clients," he says. "If you get the e-mail, that means that you have to upgrade."

Microsoft regularly sends e-mail to its customers, according to Sundwall. However, the company never sends e-mail with attachments because of the security risk. When possible, Microsoft electronically signs the e-mail, he adds.

Aggressive Reminders

Microsoft claims about 100 million unique users log on to the MSN Messenger service each month. Fewer than half of those use an old client, according to Sundwall.

Microsoft recently released MSN Messenger 6. However, its e-mail message indicates that users may still use version 5.0.

The company is also developing an instant messaging server aimed at the enterprise. It addresses the growing use of IM in businesses that also want to ensure secure communications.

Microsoft will keep reminding users that they need to upgrade. Beginning September 18, users who have not yet updated will receive notifications in Messenger that they need to update before October 15, Sundwall says. Information on the upgrade is available from Microsoft.

To check the version number in MSN Messenger or Windows Messenger, users should select the 'Help' menu in Messenger and then select 'About'.

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