Windows Live Messenger Library 3.0 Fuels Faster IM's

Windows Live Messenger Library 3.0 is capable of fueling faster IM's according to Microsoft. Version 3.0 of the library is available with the March 2009 release of the Messenger Web Toolkit, which was launched at MIX09. Jeenandra Kumar, software design engineer, Messenger Platform Team, emphasized that Windows Live Messenger Library 3.0 was designed to bring to the table a range of improvements that affected the user experience. Essentially, users taking advantage of Windows Live messenger integrated into websites should notice gains in performance when it comes down to the instant messaging client.

“The previous versions of the Messenger Library used session based messaging for IM conversations. As with any session based protocol there was a noticeable delay between the session initiation and the time the users could actually send messages. The newer version uses a new messaging feature that makes it possible to send messages without the need for creating a session,” Kumar said. “Additionally, the Messenger Library’s polling mechanism to fetch messages from Messenger has also been improved.”

Via the Windows Live Messenger Library, developers can leverage nothing more than a client-side library provided by Microsoft, as a move to catalyze the integration of Windows Live Messenger into web-based applications. The Redmond company underlined that turning to the Windows Live Messenger Web Toolkit in order to build its IM client into websites provided a basis for users to engage in social networking activities. In order to take advantage of the improvements delivered to Windows Live Messenger Library 3.0, all that developers have to do is upgrade to the latest version.

“The previous version used a single channel to make HTTP requests but in the new version the polls happen on two different channels. This means that in any given time there is at least one ready connection to Messenger,” Kumar added. “In short this means a great integrated IM experience for the users of your web application with the performance on par with desktop applications. By simply migrating your application from 2.5 to 3.0, you will see these improvements instantly. As always, your continued feedback is highly appreciated.”