Microsoft Releasing new Live Messenger with VoIP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) December 13, 2005 -- Microsoft has announced being about ready to release its first beta version of the all new Live Messenger. It is going to be a successor of the all popular MSN Messenger with a current base of over 185 million active customers worldwide.

The biggest improvement in this release is going to be the addition of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) which will enable users to make with it calls in and out to regular phone lines for a nominal fee. During the beta phase calls out to the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Western Europe will start at US 2.3 cents per minute and total number of countries available to call will be over 220. One will be able to purchase the credit for calls out in units of $5, $10 and $25.

MCI company will be the one providing VoIP support for the new messenger. "MCI Web Calling harnesses the power of MCI's expansive global network with VoIP technology to support high-quality, cost-effective PC-to-phone voice connections around the world," said Patty Proferes, senior vice president of Mass Markets and Corporate Advertising for MCI. "This is a terrific example of the expanded MCI and Microsoft strategic relationship as the two companies continue to develop and deliver next-generation services for our customers."

The news comes on the hills of Yahoo having announced few days ago to offer a similar VoIP plan for its Yahoo Messenger. And all that adds more competition to Skype (with its over 70 million users base) - which was recently purchased by eBay for US $2.6 billion.

Briefly summarizing, the main new features in Live Messenger will be:

* VoIP service providing for calls in and out to regular telephones.
* Streamlined new interface
* A true shared file folder where both chatting parties will be able to modify the content of it on the go.