Can Office Communicator Work With Windows Live Messenger?

Microsoft Office Communicator users can send instant messages to Windows Live Messenger users.

Instant messaging provides real-time communications over the Internet. Microsoft Office Communicator and Windows Live Messenger can both send instant messages. These two software programs can also work together if one of the users does not have access to Office Communicator. Communicator users can expand their networks of online contacts to users of Windows Live Messenger.

Connectivity

Although Microsoft developed both Office Communicator and Windows Live Messenger, these two instant messengers use different software and generally target different users. Windows Live is a public service for everyone in the world, but only members of organizations that use Office Communicator can utilize that messenger. Microsoft solved this dilemma by developing connectivity between Office Communicator and Live Messenger. Although Windows Live users cannot use Communicator, users of both systems can add each other as contacts and initiate cross-platform instant messaging.

Adding Contacts

Office Communicator users add a Live Messenger contact by clicking the down arrow at the top of the software and selecting "Add a Contact" in the "Tools" menu. In the box that pops up, select "Use an e-mail address or sign-in address." You then enter the email address of the Windows Live Messenger user. On the next page, you add the contact to a group. If you have not made any groups for your contacts, just pick "All Contacts," which is the generic default group. You can also add an Office Communicator user in Windows Live Messenger. Next to the search box near the top of the software, click on the icon with the person and plus sign. A box pops up to let you enter the email address of your new contact. Optionally, you can enter a personal invitation message and other details. Click "Add Contact" to put the Communicator user on your list.

Sending Messages

Once you have the Windows Live Messenger user in your contact list, sending instant messages follows the same process as sending to other Office Communicator users. Double-click on the Live Messenger contact's name. A chat box appears for sending instant messages. You can also right-click on the contact's name and select "Send an Instant Message" to open the chat box. Similarly, double-click on the Office Communicator user's name in Windows Live Messenger to open the text box for instant messaging.

Limitations

Connectivity with public instant message services is disabled by default in Office Communicator. Your network administrator must enable this feature before Windows Live Messenger will work with the software. Additionally, Communicator only works with Live Messenger for text messages and presence status. You cannot use audio, video and other features. You may also chat with only one Windows Live user at a time. Communicator users should also manually set their presence status to keep Live Messenger users informed at all times. There is a button near the top of the software to set your presence status to "Available," "Busy" or other options.

References

• Microsoft Office: Add Contacts Outside Your Company
• University of North Texas: Adding Public IM Contacts to Office Communicator 2007
• Microsoft Office: Start an Instant Message Conversation
• Microsoft Office: Communicate With MSN, AOL and Yahoo Users
• Microsoft: Chat For Free: Use Instant Messaging and Your Webcam to Stay In Touch