Starting from the next version of MSN Messenger, it will be re-branded and named Windows Live Messenger!

This huge name change comes as the MSN network divides into two divisions concentrating on different things, they are:

1. The existing MSN brand: MSN will continue to focus soley on content through its many websites such as MSN.com, MSNNBC, NineMSN and many more providing news and entertainment content.
2. Windows Live: The new division will focus on services such as Live.com, Office Live, Mail (formerly Hotmail) and Instant Messaging (Windows Live Messenger FKA MSN Messenger).

The Messenger Software will remain much the same: software functionaly and your User ID (Passport sign-in address), contact list, and the like will remain the same. The MSN Messenger 7.5 software will be the last to be released under the MSN brand. All future versions will be released under the Windows Live brand and thus the new name Windows Live Messenger!

The new Windows Live Messenger is not released yet and a BETA version is expected to be released sometime in 2005!