In an effort to blunt AOL's huge lead in instant messaging (IM), Microsoft and other vendors created an industry coalition to promote IM interoperability
In his own words, Rick Belluzzo comments on the three main goals for MSN: simplifying daily tasks, providing access to information and communication, and offering personalized entertainment
MSN Messenger 3.0 lets users in the U.S. and Canada make free PC-to-phone calls anywhere within North America; users worldwide can make free PC-to-PC calls
Microsoft's Partner Solutions Center is where Microsoft tests its products in complex environments, with the help of large hardware and software companies and alliance partners