Bebo to Integrate Live Messenger, Contacts

Bebo said Tuesday that it had partnered with Microsoft to incorporate Windows Live services into its social networking site, including Windows Live Messenger and Contacts.

The arrangement is the first of its kind between a social networking site and Microsoft. Before, the only integration of this kind with Windows Live was through Spaces, Microsoft’s own service.

Bebo members who also use Windows Live Messenger for instant messaging will now be able to display their status from within their profiles, and integration with Contacts will allow users of either service to import or export their contacts between the two.

While used more overseas, and especially in the UK where it is the leading social networking site, Bebo has grown exponentially since its launch in 2005. The site says five new members register for the service every second, and it currently counts some 36 million members worldwide.

“Our agreement with Microsoft Windows Live delivers a powerful, new way to instantly update and keep in touch with friends and serves to make the Bebo user experience even more compelling and interactive,” Bebo president Joanna Shields said.

Microsoft will also provide Bebo users with an "IM Me" feature much like the functionality available for users of AOL Instant Messenger. However, unlike that implementation which requires an AIM account, all Bebo users would be able to use the feature whether or not they have an account.