Corporate IM Extending to Mobile Devices

Users of future wireless devices based on Windows Mobile and Research In Motion (RIM) BlackBerry OS platforms will get new software to let them exchange instant messages while mobile with other users of Live Communications Server 2005, Microsoft’s product for corporate instant messaging (IM) and presence. However, neither Microsoft nor RIM would say whether their new clients will run on current devices.

Specifically, Microsoft will deliver an IM client that enables Windows-powered phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs) to connect to Microsoft’s Live Communications Server (LCS) 2005, the latest version of Microsoft’s IM and presence product. Separately, RIM announced that it will work with Microsoft to create a similar LCS 2005 client that will run on its popular BlackBerry mobile e-mail devices. Together, these deals expand the reach of corporate IM to include users of mobile devices and further position Microsoft as the premier vendor in the burgeoning corporate IM market.