Microsoft plans to make its forthcoming Windows XP operating system a better platform for running peer-to-peer communications applications than previous Windows software. But first, the vendor must convince companies to upgrade--many are still installing Windows 2000.

Microsoft's pitch to IT buyers for its new PC operating system, set to debut Oct. 25, will emphasize the advantages of real-time messaging applications built with XP's new Windows Messenger software, lower support costs because of increased reliability, and a built-in remote-control feature for help-desk technicians, says Chris Jones, a VP in Microsoft's Windows client group.

Sales of Windows XP to business users will come gradually, Jones says. What could make the operating system shine in business environments are new APIs and client software for multimedia instant messaging. Windows Messenger supports audio and videoconferencing, in addition to text messaging. Unlike Microsoft's older NetMeeting software, Windows Messenger detects users' presence on a network--if they sign up for Microsoft's hosted .Net Messenger service, which is free.

Instant-messaging technology that detects users' presence could be extended to reliably deliver data between applications in loosely coupled systems--the mission of Web services, says Dana Gardner, an Aberdeen Group analyst. "These advanced instant-messaging services are valuable to companies, and Microsoft will be cooking them into the .Net platform," he says.

Windows XP includes APIs to access the system's buddy list and start real-time communications, Jones says. Microsoft is also working on a "firewall traversal" protocol for instant messages. Its planned real-time collaboration server for managing instant messages will let companies synchronize such applications with Windows' Active Directory. The server will use Session Initiation Protocol to alert apps to users' presence on the Internet and phone networks.