There have been a number of questions about BOTS in the forum in various theads so I thought I would provide this post with a broader update on the topic.
MSN has recently started licensing BOTS on the network. The huge benefit of a licensed BOT is that it will have contact limitations removed (the reverse list), so that millions of people could connect to the same ID. Our goal is to enable a broad network of these IM applications integrated with other MSN services (Activity API, Search, etc.).
To make sure our customers have the best experience with these applications and provide tools to the broadest number of companies seeking to build BOTS, we have started licensing ISV¡¯s that build platforms with access to our protocol and having a 3rd party certify their platforms. The following is the current list of ISV¡¯s with licensed platforms for building BOTS on MSN: www.akonix.com, www.conversagent.com, www.infiniteagent.com and www.wisebuddy.com. This list will continue to grow over time and we'll provide on-going updates to the community as we add new partners.
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In order to run a BOT licensed for the MSN network it needs to be built using one of the licensed ISVs listed above and adhere to the MSN Terms of Use agreement. MSN does not charge an access fee for licensing a BOT. Since this is the MSN network and we are not charging for BOT access, obvious things that compete with MSN¡¯s business are not allowed; such as integration with 3rd party search or 3rd party advertising. We are happy to point you to information about using the MSN Search API or put you in contact with our MSN Search colleagues.
If you have questions please post them to the forum.
Todd