Microsoft plans to bundle MSN Messenger into a larger communications package with Hotmail, which now has 40 million users. For one, the company was scaling the client so it could become a feature of MSN Hotmail, according to Sean Fee, Hotmail's director of product marketing. Microsoft maintains that it delayed the client's release because of strategic changes. Instant messaging was to be a key offering in that campaign to create consumer loyalty. At the time, Microsoft was preparing to take a significant step into the portal market by consolidating its myriad Web properties-such as Expedia,ĬarPoint, and MSNBC-under one MSN-branded site. Messenger Service during the company's annual financial analyst day at headquarters in Redmond, Washington. Then vice president of Microsoft's interactive media group, unveiled MSN But analysts and others in the industry point to confusion within Microsoft's management as the real hindrance in the software's release. Hotmail, its Web-based free email service.

As a result, it faces a steep climb to catch up with AOL, which runs the two most popular instant messaging clients: AOL Instant Messenger and ICQ.Īccording to Microsoft, the lag is the result of expansion problems with Messaging software made popular by America Online is still waiting in the wings Additional tools include various chat options, notes and Microsoft Office.What ever happened to the MSN Messenger Service? Microsoft Teams is part of the Office 365 subscription and is software as a service that creates a chat-based workspace focused on real-time interaction. Stride is made by the same people who made HipChat and is a team communication tool that replicates much of what you find in HipChat, while adding natively hosted video and audio meetings. It also features various third-party app integrations. There is 1-on-1 instant messaging, group chat rooms, file sharing, screen sharing and video conferencing. The HipChat app offers similar messaging options and chat tools. It provides one-on-one messaging, group chat, individual and team audio calls as well as video conferencing.

Slack is one of the best known and most widely used instant messaging apps for businesses. Below is an extensive list of the best business instant messaging apps on the market to help you identify the ideal app for your business… Slack

Outlook instant messaging program