Microsoft is the owner of the world's largest audience when it comes down to its instant messaging platform. The community of users built around Windows Live Messenger, created on top of the former MSN Messenger client, is a network accounting for approximately 280 million users on a monthly basis. The IM bridge between Yahoo Messenger and Windows Live Messenger from 2006, is an illustrative example of the fact that Microsoft is still pushing ahead with the instant messaging client. And as tapping new partnerships in order to draw in even more audience to Windows Live Messenger proved a viable alternative in the past, Microsoft is advancing on this path with a new agreement inked with social networking hotspot Bebo.

"Social networking is emerging as the new form of self-expression, allowing people to communicate their passions and express their identity to one another. Our agreement with Microsoft Windows Live delivers a powerful, new way to instantly update and keep in touch with friends and serves to make the Bebo user experience even more compelling and interactive," said Joanna Shields, President, International at Bebo.

Microsoft might have the world's largest instant messaging community, but it is severely handicapped in the online space of social networking with Windows Live Spaces failing to get off the ground, and to attract a committed and loyal pool of users. In this regard, the Microsoft and Bebo alliance extends beyond integrating the Windows Live Messenger service into the Bebo infrastructure, to the whole of Windows Live.

"We're excited to be working with Bebo to provide an innovative communication feature to one of the world's leading social networking services. Within the suite of Windows Live communications services "IM Me" allows individuals to richly communicate and keep in touch with the people who are important in their lives. The global nature of both the Windows Live Messenger service and Bebo makes this relationship a perfect fit," added Brian Hall, General Manager, Windows Live.