Microsoft on Tuesday will officially launch its new instant-messaging program, called Windows Live Messenger, which was previously available only in a beta edition, the Associated Press reports via the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.The free application is an upgrade of Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft’s MSN Messenger, which the company renamed under its new “Live” brand, according to the AP.Instant-messaging (IM) programs, which allow users to send and receive messages via the Web, have seen a spike in popularity over the past few years—notably AOL’s AIM service and the MSN Messenger—and many IM providers are now looking for new ways to draw users from the competition. For instance, the Windows Live Messenger service will offer video and file-sharing capabilities, and AOL will also add similar features to its next AIM version, the AP reports.On Monday, Yahoo, another competitor in the IM space, announced it would open its messaging service to developers so they could build programs to function with its application, according to the AP. Windows Live Messenger is one of the few products Microsoft has made available under the new Windows Live brand, which it is launching to help the software giant offer up additional Web-based products and services.This article is posted on our Microsoft Informer page. For more news on the Redmond, Wash.-based powerhouse, keep checking in. Check out our CIO News Alerts and Tech Informer pages for more updated news coverage. Related content opinion The Importance of Identity Management in Security By Charles Pelton Nov 28, 2023 5 mins Cybercrime Artificial Intelligence Data Management brandpost Sponsored by Rocket Software Why data virtualization is critical for business success Data is your most valuable resource—but only if you can access it fast enough to address present challenges. Data virtualization is the key. By Milan Shetti, CEO of Rocket Software Nov 28, 2023 4 mins Digital Transformation brandpost Sponsored by Rocket Software The hybrid approach: Get the best of both mainframe and cloud Cloud computing and modernization often go hand in hand, but that doesn’t mean the mainframe should be left behind. A hybrid approach offers the most value, enabling businesses to get the best of both worlds. By Milan Shetti, CEO Rocket Software Nov 28, 2023 4 mins Digital Transformation brandpost Sponsored by Rimini Street Dear Oracle Cloud…I need my own space Access results from a recent Rimini Street survey about why enterprises are rethinking their Oracle relationship and cloud strategy. By Tanya O'Hara Nov 28, 2023 5 mins Cloud Computing Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe