Microsoft test launch web based msn messenger
Microsoft is notorious for being anti standards. And most of the services it launches are normally incompliant with other browsers than Internet Explorer. But it seems times have changed and they have changed their ways too. Microsoft recently launched something that works in almost all the browsers available today without any major issues!
We are talking about Web based version of MSN Messenger. A version that let you use the MSN messaging services without download and installing their popular Instant Messaging client. The web client has very basic requirements. MSN Web Messenger requires Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE) 5.0 or later, Netscape 7.0 or later, or Mozilla 1.6 or later running on any modern Windows release. You must have a Microsoft .NET Passport account and enable pop-ups for the MSN Web Messenger Web site.
The advantage of having a web client on its arsenal of tools is pretty obvious. You do not need the admin powers to install the desktop client so it can be used from any machine. Very useful for people who have to access the IM client from a Cyber Café on an emergency basis. The MSN Web Messenger client will work from any shared computer, Microsoft says, whether it’s at school, work, a friend’s house, or anywhere else users can’t install the MSN Messenger software.
A good point to notice here is that inspite of the fact that Microsoft specifically recommends IE or Mozilla engine for the browser, it does work on Opera Browser with little trouble. And it also works fine on non windows platform. Very good effort for a service that is in trial phase! The only thing to keep in mind is disable that popup blocker when launching the service.
Microsoft is inviting user comments and wishes on the web clients. So, check it out and respond.
Sushubh Mittal is the Tech Columnist at Search Engine Journal and also the publisher of Software Journal.
