Quantcast
PCWorld.com is upgrading some back-end systems. Some site features, such as user registration, may be temporarily unavailable.
Subscribe to magazine

Microsoft Tests Web-Based IM

Users would be able to chat without installing the full application.

Joris Evers, IDG News Service

  • 0 Yes
  • 0 No

Microsoft is testing a Web-based MSN Messenger client that will allow users to connect to the instant messaging service without the need to install a client application.

A Web-based client can be useful when installing the full client is not possible. This could be on a public computer in a library, at school, or at a conference or when using a locked-down corporate system, for example.

Web-based instant messaging is not new. America Online has long offered AIM Express, a Web client for its AOL Instant Messenger. Also, several third-party Web sites offer Web-based access to various instant messaging services, including MSN Messenger.

Put to the Test

The full version of MSN Web Messenger will be released later this year, according to the test Web site. Microsoft is soliciting feedback from testers. The test Web site only allows limited connections and on Monday appeared to be getting a lot of visitors because it would not allow connections to the MSN Messenger service at all.

Later on Monday Microsoft removed the public test Web site, limiting the beta to an internal test only.

"The site post is part of our testing process. MSN is still testing the product and has nothing to announce regarding future implementation or testing result," a Microsoft spokesperson says.

The beta version of MSN Web Messenger requires Internet Explorer 5.0, Netscape 7.0, Mozilla 1.6, or newer versions of any of these Web browsers. Users also must disable pop-up blocking and have a Microsoft Passport account, according to the test Web site.

  • Recommend this story?
  • 0 Yes
    0 No

People who read this also read:

  • 15 Minutes to a Secure Business Get the Secure in 15 toolkit starting with the "15 Minutes Month-at-a-Glance" calendar. McAfee will send you additional tools and tricks to stay protected around the clock.
  • A Buyer's Guide to Data Protection Implementing data protection products and processes can be daunting. Make the right decisions by exploring what is available and what makes sense for your organization. Use this simple guide to evaluate different vendor offerings.

Sponsored Links