INTRODUCTION
Over the past few months, many Mobile Speak for Smart Phone customers have discovered that the factory installed IM (instant messaging) client on their Windows Mobile Smart Phone is not comfortably accessible with MSS.  In this article, therefore, I will discuss two mobile friendly web based instant messaging clients that, in my opinion, work marvelously well with this popular mobile screen reader for Smart Phones.  While I compose this piece with the needs of the visually impaired in mind, sighted Smart Phone users will find this information useful, as well.

BASIC ASSUMPTIONS
This document assumes that you are familiar with the basic functions commonly found in instant Messaging clients.  It also assumes that you have a User ID and password for each service discussed.

DATA FEES
Please note that while I only discuss free instant messaging solutions for use on a mobile device, data fees will apply.  Therefore, I strongly recommend that you confirm with your wireless provider that you have an unlimited data plan in place before using any instant messaging application.

A DEFINITION
It is important that you understand that I am a huge proponent of what is now referred to as “cloud computing”.

What is cloud computing?  I’m glad you asked.

Think of the “cloud” in cloud computing as the Internet, itself.  Thus, one definition of this increasingly popular term refers to the ability to access files, data, programs, and third-party services, via the Internet, that are hosted by third-party providers.  This includes being able to both push files or data to the cloud and pull files or data from the cloud.

In short, cloud computing is the concept of being able to store data on a remote network via the Internet and/or being able to use remotely hosted software applications in a web browser rather than having to install software applications onto a computer or Smart Phone. 

CONSERVING DIGITAL REAL ESTATE
Smart Phone users soon learn that memory and storage space are commodities on mobile devices.  Further, as many of us know, there are more than a few instant messaging networks in use throughout the world.  Since there is potentially an unlimited number of networks you may wish to use and there is such a limited amount of digital real estate available on your Smart Phone, the idea of cloud computing becomes significantly relevant.

It is for this reason that, in addition to greatly reducing the chances of being infected by malware and/or software viruses, I suggest that, instead of installing instant messaging clients directly onto  your Smart Phone or computer, you use the web based versions of the clients instead of their locally installed counterparts.  Please note that, in many cases, the web based version of an instant messaging client may be somewhat less robust than the locally installed version.

WINDOWS LIVE MESSENGER
My favorite mobile friendly web based instant messaging client that is comfortably accessible with MSS is Windows Live Messenger.  Windows Mobile Smart Phone users should have a link to Live Messenger in their mobile web browser Favorites folder.  If not, then point your mobile browser to:
http://mobile.live.com

One of the nicest features of this WAP (wireless access point) service is that you can navigate the site via the number keypad on your mobile phone.

1.
After your mobile browser opens the site, either press the number 2 on your phone keypad or select the Messenger link.

2.
Sign into Windows Live Messenger.  Note, you only need to sign in one time as the browser will remember your username and password upon subsequent visits, should you choose it to do so.

3.
Explore the site and be sure to take a look at the Settings options on the page.  While you can refresh the page as frequently as you wish, I suggest that you set your account to automatically refresh every two minutes for best results.

Note that the standard computer web version of Windows Live messenger can be launched from:
http://webmessenger.msn.com

YAHOO MESSENGER
Another excellent mobile friendly web based instant messaging client that is comfortably accessible with MSS is Yahoo Messenger.

From your mobile browser point to:
http://m.yahoo.com

One of the nicest features of this WAP (wireless access point) service is that you can navigate the site via the number keypad on your mobile phone.

1.
The first time you visit this site, you will be offered a chance to download the new Yahoo portal for Smart Phones.  For this tutorial, I suggest that you select either the “Maybe Next Time” or “No Thanks” link to skip this option.

2.
Select the Messenger link.

3.
Sign into Yahoo Messenger.

4.
Explore the site and be sure to take a look at the Settings options on the page.

You can refresh the page as frequently as you wish.  This service does not offer an auto refresh feature.

Note that the standard computer web version of Yahoo Messenger can be launched from:
http://webmessenger.yahoo.com

WEB BASED IM AGGREGATORS
A web based IM aggregator is a service that allows you to sign into several IM networks from one web site.

Three very popular and MSS friendly web based IM aggregators are:
I Love IM, Mabber, and Meebo.

I suggest that you explore these sites on both your PC and your mobile phone to discover their various features.

Good luck and I’ll see you out there, in the clouds.  (Smile)

Mark