I remember the launch of Messenger V1 vividly.  A former ninemsn colleague and I tested the product before it’s release into Australia. So, with the 10th anniversary of Windows Live Messenger, it’s made me think “wow” – what a great testament to the value of this service.

There has been so much technological innovation over the past 10 years, it feels like a blur. There are technologies we were using 10 years ago, which have since become obsolete, and there are new technologies we have embraced. So, for Messenger still to be here today, let alone have it’s worldwide 330 million user base, it’s an amazing feat. Well, the amazement really needs to be credited to Microsoft engineers, who have constantly been innovating the service, since it’s 1999 debut.

In my current role, my team gets to release the international versions of Windows Live Messenger – just one of the many indispensible software and services available within the Windows Live suite. Having a remote team, as is the case for most people at Microsoft – from Sao Paulo to Moscow to Dublin to Seattle - Messenger has been the ultimate and fun collaboration tool. Of course, personally, it helps me connect worldwide with my geographically challenged family too – from Tasmania to London. :-)

You can read about all the UK Messenger 10th birthday celebrations here: http://www.messengerbirthday.co.uk 

And of course you can download it and the rest of Windows Live Essentials here http://download.live.com/

Here’s to the next 10 years of Messenger and Windows Live innovation then…..