Released on = December 13, 2005, 3:12 pm

Press Release Author = VoIP Choice

Industry = Telecommunications

Press Release Summary = Microsoft is to release a brand new Live Messenger software.
It will contain support for calls in and out to regular phone lines through VoIP
(Voice over Internet Protocol).

Press Release Body = Microsoft has announced being about ready to release its first
beta version of the all new Live Messenger. It is going to be a successor of the all
popular MSN Messenger with a current base of over 185 million active customers
worldwide.

The biggest improvement in this release is going to be the addition of VoIP (Voice
over Internet Protocol) which will enable users to make with it calls in and out to
regular phone lines for a nominal fee. During the beta phase calls out to the U.S.,
Canada, the U.K. and Western Europe will start at US 2.3 cents per minute and total
number of countries available to call will be over 220. One will be able to purchase
the credit for calls out in units of $5, $10 and $25.

MCI company will be the one providing VoIP support for the new messenger. \"MCI Web
Calling harnesses the power of MCI\'s expansive global network with VoIP technology
to support high-quality, cost-effective PC-to-phone voice connections around the
world,\" said Patty Proferes, senior vice president of Mass Markets and Corporate
Advertising for MCI. \"This is a terrific example of the expanded MCI and Microsoft
strategic relationship as the two companies continue to develop and deliver
next-generation services for our customers.\"

The news comes on the hills of Yahoo having announced few days ago to offer a
similar VoIP plan for its Yahoo Messenger. And all that adds more competition to
Skype (with its over 70 million users base) - which was recently purchased by eBay
for US $2.6 billion.

Briefly summarizing, the main new features in Live Messenger will be:

* VoIP service providing for calls in and out to regular telephones.
* Streamlined new interface
* A true shared file folder where both chatting parties will be able to modify the
content of it on the go.




Web Site = http://voipchoice.blogspot.com

Contact Details = Ramzes Berezecki