June 29, 2009: Bangalore: Come 30th June and MSN Web messenger will be replaced by the messenger service integrated into Window Live Hotmail, reports ARS Technica. MSN Web messenger was launched in August 2004.

A Microsoft spokesperson said, "On June 30, MSN Web Messenger will close; however, customers will continue to have the opportunity to connect with each other using Windows Live Hotmail's web-based IM, a version of Windows Live Messenger which is accessible through your Windows Live Hotmail account."

Announcement of the new service was first made in January. Microsoft has officially recommended the use of Windows Live People to use the web version of messenger. The new service is an improvement over the Web messenger. Using this one can see if the user is online or not. All emails sent also have a status icon and most importantly the user can sign in and sign out from different locations.

The Microsoft spokesperson added, "We made the decision to retire MSN Web Messenger as part of our overall investment in updating and re-aligning our online services under the Windows Live brand. We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause our customers."

Source: http://siliconindia.com/shownews/MSN_Web_messenger_to_be_phased_out_on_30th_June-nid-58663.html