Microsoft and MCI, soon to be taken over by Verizon, are the latest to announce the launch of a VOIP service. It will be available initially just from computer to phones but will develop from there. It will be offered to all users of MSN messanger.
The service will use technology from Teleo Inc., a small startup Microsoft acquired in August. Teleo's Internet telephony software lets people make voice calls by clicking on phone numbers appearing on a Web pages.
Customers will sign up for the computer-to-phone calling service through its new Windows Live Messenger software, which will eventually replace MSN Messenger, and buy prepaid calling time from MCI in $5, $10 and $25 blocks. MCI will handle account management, customer service and billing.
OK, so MSN is finally playing catch up with the Skype's, Yahoo's and AOL's of this world, but the service looks a little limited at this point. I can't see it exacly boosting their messanger or MSN numbers.
I just wonder when Microsoft and Time Warner will get more aggressive with MSN and AOL respectively. They seem to be playing a dangerous game of catch up to the more innovative Yahoo and Google. Maybe if MSN and AOL get together that might help. Somehow I doubt it.
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