Microsoft Corp. and Gemalto today announced they are collaborating to offer Windows Live Messenger services to the mass market of mobile subscribers through a new Windows Live Messenger client application that comes pre-installed on phone Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards. The Gemalto application, named SIMessenger, is the world’s first Microsoft-certified instant messaging SIM client solution.
Gemalto’s SIMessenger enables users to easily keep in touch with their Windows Live Messenger contacts from their mobile phone. SIMessenger offers an intuitive menu that allows subscribers to access their Windows Live Messenger environment with an experience similar to what they get when accessing it from a PC. SIMessenger also automatically launches when they switch their handset on, so they can start chatting immediately. SIMessenger’s user-friendly interface enables quick and easy navigation, so that users retrieve the messaging service they are familiar with while on the move.
To date, three operators have successfully deployed SIMessenger: Oi in Brazil, Personal S.A. in Argentina and Movistar in Peru. Gemalto has already delivered close to 5 million SIM cards embedding the Windows Live instant messaging application.
“Through our alliance with Gemalto, we are able to greatly expand the reach of the Windows Live Messenger experience on mobile to new markets and more consumers,” said Tom Bailey, senior director of product management for Windows Live for Mobile services. “SIMessenger will enable the masses to easily use the popular Windows Live Messenger to communicate with the people they care about while on the go.”
“Worldwide, people who own a mobile phone widely outnumber those who have Internet access,” added Philippe Vallée, executive vice president of the Telecommunications Business Unit at Gemalto. “With more than 320 million active Windows Live Messenger accounts worldwide, combined with 3.6 billion SIM cards currently in use, there is strong growth potential for SIMessenger, and Gemalto is proud to join forces with Microsoft to make messaging available to all.”
