Microsof, Orange converge PC and mobile messaging

Microsoft and Orange (France Telecom) launched a new messaging service today that incorporated Microsoft’s Windows Live Messenger and combines the functionality of both PC-based and mobile messaging.

The launch introduces Orange’s 135 million customers to 240 million Windows Live Messenger users, some of whom no doubt are the same. The service will be available to users in France in early December and to other European countries in 2007.

The new service, named Orange Messenger by Windows Live, will allow users to collaborate between Orange and Microsoft Windows Live Messenger and stay connected to contacts on the PC and on their mobile device. It also will provide customers with a connection to all the Orange portal services: e-mails, blog, ringtones, logos and “today’s page.”

From their PCs, Orange customers will soon have access to video-over-IP and multi-videoconferencing. From their mobile device, they will have interoperability of Orange Messenger by Windows Live with other mobile operators, short message service continuity and 3G videoconference.

Didier Lombard, chairman and CEO of France Telecom, said this opens up new growth opportunities for his company’s fixed and mobile activities. “It will create the world's largest community,” he said.

France Telecom/Orange and Microsoft announced the signing of a strategic alliance agreement in July 2005, in which the companies would co-develop multimedia products and services for the combined audiences of both companies.