In this spirit of open protocols that benefit the entire Internet community, we strongly encourage other vendors to publish their protocols. Microsoft will make the MSN Messenger Service protocol available to the industry by the end of this month by submitting it as an Internet draft to the IETF as a working reference implementation of an interoperable instant messaging protocol. Developers may also use the reference implementation to provide interoperability. Ultimately, when the IMPP protocol is developed and ratified, the MSN network of Internet services will support the IMPP protocol. An interim protocol is the industry's rallying point, from which we can connect millions of users within weeks.
Consumers always benefit from choice.
With the support of Microsoft and others, consumers will soon be able to choose the instant messaging service that best addresses their individual needs. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day. Connect-time charges may apply. Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners. All rights reserved.