A closer look into Microsoft's Codename "Istanbul"

Thanks to Neowin member Amsterdam for the submission of his editorial on a closer look at Codename Istanbul.

Microsoft has released information of its new software client, codenamed "Istanbul." The client offers its users communication capabilities including instant messaging, extensible presence, PC-based voice and video, and telephony integration. In other words Istanbul is is considered the next great Chat Client. Microsoft is to debut Istanbul sometime in the first half of 2005. Microsoft will rival many big companies with the release of Istanbul, by putting all of their great office applications into one.

Istanbul is reported to let its users know when the person they are trying to contact is online, able to take a phone call, or would prefer an email sent to them. Microsoft is trying to enhance the buddy list option of instant messaging by giving the user more options on the best way to communicate with their fellow worker.

Istanbul will somewhat resemble Windows Messenger, which is currently found on Windows XP. It will also have a feature that offers a link to your favorite chat clients such as AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, and MSN Messenger. All three of the companies signed an agreement with Microsoft to allow their clients to link to Istanbul.

View: The original press release @ Microsoft on Istanbul