IBM Links Sametime To MS Office

IBM is set to release an upgraded version of its instant messenger software, Sametime 7.5, redesigned to integrate with Microsoft applications. The software, due to be out in two months allows people to use the IM features without having to leave MS office application. This means, office users will now be able to see if an email sender is online and even point to the location of the sender, using internet protocol (IP) address locator. Sametime, which is aimed at corporate customers, is also likely to be made available on mobile devices like Nokia, Research In Motion, and on devices with windows mobile. IBM has rewritten the IM software to host Eclipse-compatible programs, so now users can see the location of the IM contact they’re talking to, on Google maps or display bookmarked Web sites from Delicious on Sametime. Sametime integration with Microsoft Office will apply to Office 2000, Office XP and the Office 2007.