Greetings Chris,
Both have Remote Assistance functionality but in order to use Remote Assistance, Windows
Messenger has to be installed anyway (even to use Remote Assistance in MSN Messenger) so to
avoid confusion, it's probably best to continue using Windows Messenger for the time being.
As for the differences, MSN Messenger 7 has support for display pictures, winks, custom
emoticons, has a different interface, etc. whereas Windows Messenger supports SIP-based
communications services, Exchange IM Server, etc. Which one you use is up to you if you're
simply using the most basic functionality, connecting to the public .NET Messenger service)
and a matter of personal choice. However one thing to keep in mind, Windows Messenger must
still be installed on Windows XP in order for MSN Messenger to retain full functionality
(Remote Assistance, Whiteboard, Application Sharing, etc.).
MSN Messenger is centered around MSN technologies (Hotmail, MSN Member Profiles, MSN Mobile,
etc.) whereas Windows Messenger is centered around Windows technologies (Exchange Server,
Office Live Communications Server, Windows Netmeeting, etc.).
As such, MSN Messenger is centered towards the consumer and Windows Messenger is centered
towards the corporate user.
____________________________________________
Jonathan Kay
Microsoft MVP - Windows Messenger/MSN Messenger
Associate Expert
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/
Messenger Resources -
http://messenger.jonathankay.com
All posts unless otherwise specified are (c) 2005 Jonathan Kay.
You *must* contact me for redistribution rights.
