Microsoft Points Mac Messenger 5.0 At Enterprises

In corporations, Messenger for Mac 5.0 can run sessions through Live Communications Server 2005 within the perimeter, or via a Live Communications Server 2005 Public IM Connectivity license, connect to outside contacts who use the AOL, MSN, or Yahoo IM networks.

The new tabbed interface segregates personal and business contacts and conversations, said Microsoft, by letting users access multiple accounts simultaneously. The concept's not new -- Microsoft has offered dual account log-on in the Windows version of Messenger since 5.0 -- but this update brings the Mac client more in line with Windows users' capabilities.

Messenger for Mac 5.0, formerly called MSN Messenger for Mac, can be downloaded starting later Tuesday from the Microsoft Web site. Initially, the free client will be available in English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, and Swedish language versions.