Bebo, the global social networking
site, is the first such site to integrate with
theMicrosoft Windows Live Messengerinstant messaging service.
Bebo, which recently usurped
MySpace as the UK's leading social networking site, will also
allow its users to integrate with Windows Live Contacts.
The integration will enable all 36 million Bebo users worldwide
who use Windows Live Messenger to display their Messenger presence
with their Bebo friends directly on the Bebo service.
Equally, the partnership offers Bebo the opportunity to grow its
network through the Windows Live Messenger user base.
Windows Live Messenger is used in more than 60 countries by more
than 280 million active users each month.
The Windows Live Contacts API allows users the ability to freely
import and export their contacts and relationships between the two
services.
Bebo users with Windows Live Messenger will add an "IM Me" icon
which will appear on their profile page. In displaying their
presence, all Bebo users - regardless of whether they have a
Windows Live ID or not - will be able to begin an IM conversation
with each other.
Bebo had 10.7 million unique UK users in July.