Microsoft has announced today the 5.0 version of Microsoft Messenger for Mac.

Messenger for Mac 5.0 introduces tabbed viewing, a new approach for Mac customers who use instant messaging for work and for play. Users may simultaneously access corporate and personal Messenger accounts and set a unique user status on each.

The personal tab allows users to instant message with friends and family, while support for Microsoft Office Live Communications Server 2005 enables enterprise customers to IM in a security-enhanced manner via the corporate tab with colleagues inside and out the network.

Corporate messaging sessions run through Live Communications Server 2005 are contained within the corporate firewall and server-side session logging is enabled.

Corporate customers can also deploy the Live Communications Server 2005 Public IM Connectivity license, enabling their Mac users to IM with contacts outside the network who use services from AOL, MSN and Yahoo! Live Communications Server 2005 support also introduces integration with the Global Address List, allowing corporate Mac users to locate contact information and availability status more efficiently than before.

To better serve Mac customers, Messenger for Mac 5.0 has an updated design that features a Mac OS-like brushed-metal look and feel in addition to a refined Preferences pane. Version 5.0 also includes new features that allow customers to develop their online personalities with customizable display pictures and the ability to view animated and custom emoticons.

Microsoft Messenger for Mac 5.0 will be available in English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish and Swedish. Customers may download this version for free at http://www.microsoft.com/mac.