MS preparing new mobile IM client

[Colin Dunstan]

BetaNews reports that Microsoft is preparing a new IM chat client for Windows Mobile-based devices. The new chat client is based on the user interface of Microsoft's forthcoming Office Communicator 2005 (code-named Istanbul). Office Communicator 2005 is an enterprise messenger that integrates communications capabilities (including instant messaging, rich presence, PC-based voice and video, VoIP, and enterprise telephony) with productivity and other communications applications.

Microsoft's Windows Mobile client will offer secure instant messaging and presence sharing across all types of wireless networks, real-time access to business contacts, and a familiar Windows interface.

The first beta release of the client is expected to be released in the second half of 2005.