As the Instant Messaging services offered by both companies enjoy equal loyalty from their respective users, Microsoft and Yahoo have bridged the IM networks in a limited program of beta testing. The two services' interoperability would permit Windows Live Messenger and Yahoo! Messenger with voice to connect with one another and marks a mile stone as the first collaboration of this kind between different providers. Enabling users to connect outside their respective IM platform will structure the largest community of instant messaging world wide with more than 350 million accounts.

Both companies welcome their customers to take full advantage of joining the limited beta program. The bridge will facilitate the exchange of instant messages between the free platforms, contact with online friends, sharing of selected emoticons, read offline messages, view personal status and add contacts. All of these will be provided as free of charge services in the manner IM users have become accustomed to. The two companies have also announced that full availability for their interoperability program is planned to be made available in the coming months.

"This first-of-its-kind interoperability between consumer IM leaders Microsoft and Yahoo! gives our customers tremendous control, convenience and freedom in their Web communication experiences with Windows Live," said Blake Irving, corporate vice president, Windows Live Platform at Microsoft. "We're proud to deliver this latest advancement in IM services that empower people to communicate with virtually whomever they want, wherever they want and whenever they want."

"Interoperability between IM services has consistently topped our users' wish lists, and through the collaborative efforts between Yahoo! and Microsoft we are delighted to provide our combined global users with the ultimate IM experience," said Brad Garlinghouse, senior vice president of Communications, Community and Front Doors, Yahoo! "A new era for staying connected with friends and family is here, and the bridge between Yahoo!'s and Microsoft's IM communities is bringing people around the world closer together."