Tags: Linux, Microsoft

It’s been underdevelopment since some time now and a beta version is finally out for real world testing. I am talking about the recently launched MSN Web Messenger. Yahoo! Messenger already has a web based client so this thing was indeed long due. And the best thing is that this product from Microsoft is pretty unusual considering it is coming from their own stables. It does not use ActiveX and it does not use Java. It’s just plain HTML used very wisely with lots of frames inside the browser window. That makes it awesome. Because it works well in spite of the fact that it does not use any proprietary technology.

So, what does MSN Web Messenger require? The official requirements are as under:

• A web browser: Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or later, Netscape 7.0 or later, or Mozilla 1.6 or later, running in Microsoft Windows.
• An Internet connection (56 Kbps or faster recommended)
• A Microsoft .NET Passport. If you have a hotmail.com or msn.com account, you already have a Passport.
• Pop-ups enabled for this web site if you are using popup blocker software like the MSN Toolbar

But, well as I tested and read online. It works fine on Opera browser too and almost all the platforms. Firefox on Mac/Debian Linux users also assured that the web messenger works fine. Their was just this minor problem on Opera with the text flowing out of the window with the user required to scroll things down. Seems like something that is lacking in Opera. Hence the reason why it is not listed in the official support.

But the point is that it does work. And that’s a big surprise considering Microsoft is not known for things that work on non Internet Explorer browsers! The messenger works fine, resembles a lot like the original cousin. So, new users won’t find it much of a hassle. Though the speed of chatting takes a beating as lots of page refreshes are required. But I definitely found it to be more convenient than the Yahoo! Messenger’s web version.

So, what is the need for a web based version when the software client works fine?
The reason is pretty simple. The software client requires downloading and installing the MSN Messenger software on each and every machine, while a browser is available on all the machines. Then on most new operating systems, admin powers are required to install a new version. So, if you are at a cyber café with no MSN Messenger installed, this can come handy. 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. Though, I have already seen messages across the web that admins in the corporate houses which ban chatting in their companies would soon block access to this website! Very convenient indeed…

Nice surprise from Microsoft and it should get better with time considering the software is in beta stage…