Yahoo! and Microsoft Agree to Bridge IM Services

Yahoo! and Microsoft agreed to 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.



The interoperability deal -- the first of its kind between two distinct, global consumer IM providers -- would form the world's largest consumer IM community, approaching 350 million accounts.



"Interoperability between IM services has consistently topped our users' wish lists, and through the collaborative efforts between Yahoo! and Microsoft we are delighted to provide our combined global users with the ultimate IM experience," said Brad Garlinghouse, senior vice president of Communications, Community and Front Doors, Yahoo! "A new era for staying connected with friends and family is here, and the bridge between Yahoo!'s and Microsoft's IM communities is bringing people around the world closer together."http://www.yahoo.comhttp://www.msn.com