Microsoft's IM Platform Embedded into a SIM Card

Brazilian mobile operator, Oi is to launch a service next week which embeds the Windows Live Instant Messenging service into Oi SIM cards, in partnership with Microsoft and Gemalto. Customers who buy a new Oi SIM card will have direct access to Messenger functionalities in any Oi mobile phone.

This new version of Messenger will have the same features as in a PC, such as viewing or blocking contacts, changing the status to on-line, off-line, absent or busy, and keeping several chat sessions open simultaneously. Each message sent to a contact using the service will cost 31 cents of a ‘realÃ' (about 0.1 Euro).

To experience Messenger over the mobile phone, there is no need to download an application or register for the service, users can access the Mundo Oi (Oi World) menu, select their type of user account and enter an address and password to make a connection. While the user is on-line on Messenger, it is still possible to make and receive calls as usual.

Microsoft has over 39 million Windows Live Messenger users in Brazil, which the company says is the largest base in the world.

"We´ve always believed in services capable of making our customers´ lives more convenient. They will access Windows Live Messenger in a simpler and faster manner, using the Oi Chip menu. Our partnership with Gemalto and Microsoft will provide a large scale service. This business has a great growth potential in Brazil, where 135 million people have mobile telephones, but only 44 million are connected to the internet", says Gustavo Alvim, Oi VAS Director.

Posted to the site on 27th October 2008