Today, Aug. 15, 2003

* Microsoft released Windows Messenger 5, available here. The new version can connect to Microsoft's .Net Messenger Service, Exchange Server and Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)-based instant messaging servers. Like MSN Messenger 6, this new version supports inking on Tablet PC, making it possible to send handwritten instant messages.

But Windows Messenger 5 does not directly support archiving of messages the same way MSN Messenger 6 does. Microsoft will provide such capabiltiies in its real-time communications products, which means some businesses will need to buy additional product(s). On the other hand, the archiving will be more sophisticated and robust, addressing the security and regulatory requirments some companies must ahere to for instant messaging.

For people that need casual archiving, Windows Messenger 5 and MSN Messenger 6 can run simultaneously on the same PC using different IDs.

* Microsoft's acquisition of Connectix virtual machine technology reached an important milestone. After today, neither company will sell the current Virtual PC for Windows version. A new Microsoft-updated version will be available at a later date; free to existing customers. Earlier this week, Microsoft released Virtual PC 6.1 for the Mac along with new versions of Macintosh Office. More information is available here.

Posted by Joe Wilcox at August 15, 2003 06:49 PM