Free Corporate IM to Windows Live

Public IM connectivity (PIC) to the Windows Live Messenger service is now free for users of the latest version of Communications Server, Microsoft’s product for instant messaging (IM), presence, voice, and other real-time communication. PIC enables Communications Server users to communicate over public IM services more securely and reduces regulatory compliance problems posed by these services. The July 2009 licensing changes will lower the cost of using public IM to work with customers and other business partners outside of the organization, which is common in the financial industry and can be useful elsewhere.

Securing IM with Customers and Partners

PIC enables users of an on-premise Communications Server installation to exchange presence updates and IMs securely with users of the AOL, Yahoo, and Windows Live public IM networks. Among other features, PIC enables organizations to reserve public IM user names in their domains (e.g., billg@microsoft.com), log traffic to and from public IM services, and restrict which users may access public IM services. The service does not support all features of the public IM networks; for example, it does not support file transfer, multiparty sessions, voice, or video. Nevertheless, PIC can be useful whenever an organization needs a quick, secure communication channel with consumers or business partners who don’t have their own corporate IM systems; for example, financial advisers can use it to stay in touch with clients.