The next chapter for the Windows Live Messenger network

[JMH]

More than 12 years ago we released the first version of Messenger to help people chat and keep in touch online in a more personal way. One of the unique things about IM and Messenger in particular is that it has always been about the network of people far more than any one “app.” Almost every one of us joined the Messenger network to be with the people who were on the network – to chat, share stories, laugh, gossip, and just be together. Messenger enabled each of us to communicate and share with the people we care about.

A lot has changed for IM and Messenger. We started to text more on our phones, to broadcast messages on Facebook and Twitter, and Skype became the best way to have video and voice calls (in addition to also letting you IM).

Recently, we added the ability to sign in to Skype using a Microsoft account, the same account you use for Messenger, Hotmail, Outlook.com, and more, bringing your contacts to Skype automatically. This makes Skype fantastic for connecting with that network of people you know and love.

http://blogs.windows.com/windows_li...r-for-the-windows-live-messenger-network.aspx

 

[Deejay100six]

Received this Email this morning;

It's time to update Messenger to Skype!

Hello,

We are retiring the existing Messenger service globally (except for mainland China where Messenger will continue to be available) and bringing the great features of Messenger and Skype together. Update to Skype and sign in using a Microsoft Account (same as your Messenger ID) and all your Messenger contacts will be at your fingertips. You'll be able to instant message and video chat with them just like before, and also discover new ways of staying in touch with Skype on your mobile and tablet.

Update now

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Already have Skype?

Update to the latest version of Skype.
Sign in with your Microsoft Account.
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More help with updating

 

[satrow]

It's the desktop client (and a few other MS clients) that's being killed off, the ability to use alt. clients on the Messenger network will remain for another year, possibly longer: Microsoft Messenger Service not going anywhere just yet | Ars Technica

There's also numerous third-party clients. Messenger offers two protocols that third parties integrate with. Messenger has its own proprietary protocol named MSP and in December 2011 Microsoft added support for the open XMPP messaging protocol. Third-party clients such as Pidgin, Adium, Digsby, and Trillian use one or the other of these protocols to allow chat with Messenger users.

These clients all connect to the Messenger service. If Microsoft were truly to retire the Messenger service on March 15th, all these clients would instantly cease working.

We asked Microsoft about its plans and what would happen to these various clients. The company tells us that contrary to the previous reports, the Messenger service isn't being retired on March 15th. That date does represent the start of the transition away from Messenger, but the service is set to operate for some time yet.