The web of instant messaging is spreading. Microsoft and Yahoo are connecting their systems together – and beta testing involves Australians. Some people may think this is a good thing.
SUNNYVALE, Calif., and REDMOND, Wash. — July 13, 2006 — Yahoo! Inc. (Nasdaq: “YHOO”) and
Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: “MSFT”) will today begin limited public beta testing of interoperability between their instant messaging (IM) services that enable users of Windows Live? Messenger, the next generation of MSN? Messenger, and Yahoo!? Messenger with Voice to connect with each other. This interoperability — the first of its kind between two distinct, global consumer IM providers — will form the world’s largest consumer IM community, approaching 350 million accounts….
