Microsoft wraps up Web IM for the office

Microsoft said on Tuesday that it has wrapped up development of Office Communicator Web Access, a Web-based corporate instant messaging client that connects to Microsoft's Live Communications Server 2005. The new tool, which uses AJAX (asynchronous JavaScript and XML, allows workers to get corporate IM from non-Windows devices. It also lets them receive messages from machines that are locked down and that don't allow new client software to be installed.

Using Live Communications Server and either the Web-based or desktop Office Communicator, people can connect simultaneously to IM services from Microsoft's MSN, America Online and Yahoo. Communicator Web Access can be downloaded at no additional charge by those who have licensed Live Communications Server 2005.