MSN + Vodafone = seamless PC/mobile IM

MSN and Vodafone to Launch PC-to-Mobile Instant Messaging

"REDMOND, Wash., and NEWBURY, U.K. — June 29, 2005 — MSN and Vodafone today announced plans to launch a first-of-its-kind seamless instant messaging (IM) service between PCs and mobile phones. Customers will be able to see the “presence” of their contacts and exchange instant messages between MSN® Messenger on a PC and Vodafone Messenger on mobile phones and vice versa. By offering customers a seamless PC-to-mobile messaging option with instant messaging, MSN and Vodafone will expand communication choices, delivering an enhanced messaging offering for MSN and Vodafone customers who want to stay in touch with friends, family and colleagues."

What was I saying before about Microsoft's potential for controlling social networking on the mobile platform? This is definitely a very strong alliance, given both Microsoft & Vodafone's huge customer bases and brand recognition. A good move all around! Let's see if they actually implement the location element later on...