Dell is all business with Microsoft IM

Dell is using Microsoft's Web conferencing and enterprise instant-messaging software for internal communications.

The Redmond, Wash., software giant announced Tuesday that Dell is using Microsoft Office Live Meeting and MSN Messenger Connect for Enterprises within Office and its accompanying applications such as SharePoint Portal Server 2003. The announcement is significant because Dell plans to eventually use Microsoft's Office Live Communications Server, which allows office applications to communicate in real time through IM and interactive conferencing.