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By Bob Woods August 15, 2002 Wireless-data network carrier Motient Corp. said it has signed a pact with WebMessenger Inc. to bring wireless, interoperable instant messaging (IM) to users of its network. Motient customers already have access to e-mail via its eLink and BlackBerry by Motient two-way services. The deal with WebMessenger brings them wireless IM while remaining connected to their online contacts as if they were using IM on their desktops. The new wireless instant messaging service is currently available from WebMessenger and will run on the WebMessenger Mobile Platform (WMP). The WebMessenger service will operate on the RIM 850 and 857 Wireless Handheld devices. Wireless IM is an enhancement to the WMP, which currently provides essential communications layers for mobile trading, access to enterprise data, person-to-person and person-to-machine messaging. WMP offers private and secure wireless IM for enterprise customers and operates with AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), Yahoo Messenger, MSN Messenger and the AOL-owned ICQ. WMP is also middleware for mobile data applications, interoperable with MS Exchange, Lotus Sametime and with access to MS SQL and Oracle. Reston, Va.-based Motient cited IDC figures that predict corporate IM use will increase from 5.5 million users worldwide in 2000 to 180 million users in 2004. With the expectation of such rapid growth, wireless IM is an essential part of the wireless evolution, the company also said. The Motient network covers all of the metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) in the U.S., enabling wireless data access for more people than any other carrier, Motient added. Bob Woods is the managing editor of InstantMessagingPlanet. |