EBuddy

eBuddy Homepage: Screenshot homepage 1 December 2006

eBuddy icon

eBuddy was the first independent web-based instant messaging client, which supports multiple IM services, including MSN Messenger, Yahoo and AIM (AOL). eBuddy is a web2.0 IM solution for users who are unable or unwilling to download software.

On October 26th 2006, a press release reported eBuddy received venture capital funding from Lowland Capital Partners, a Dutch VC Group.

An audio interview with the CEO of eBuddy on November 7th 2006 confirmed that the business model is based on online advertising.

Web version

File:EBuddy Chat.JPG

eBuddy Chat: Screenshot chat window 1 December 2006

Features:

Secure login option
Sign on invisibly
Tab Chatting – similar to tab browsing from Mozilla Firefox.
Multiple IM networks – It is however not possible to log onto all clients using one interface.
Custom emoticons
Custom display pictures/avatars
Sound notification

Unsupported features:

Offline messaging
QQ Protocol
Opera support
Skinning
Webcam interface

Mobile version

Features:

Sign on invisibly
Emoticons
Change user settings

Unsupported features:

Multiple IM network login
Custom emoticons
Group conversation/chat

Updates & Modifications

*Integration of AJAX into E-Messenger in September 2005 for better user-experience.
*August 2006 US Server platform set up for a quicker and more relaible service in North America.

History

Paulo Taylor is the inventor of eBuddy. The idea came to life when he made a bet with a friend; in which he said he could get MSN to work on a mobile phone. Working full-time at a Telecom company, Paulo spent his after hours working on a mobile MSN application. After several weeks, he won the bet and uploaded the application on a server. It was here that visitors asked if he could make a web version of the application. As user traffic spurred, Paulo decided to take the idea to the next level.

On September 9th 2003, Paulo together with two partners created Everywehere-MSN.com. Microsoft however claimed the domain name and shortly after on December 4th 2003 the domain was changed to e-Messnger.net. On May 1st 2004, e-Messenger became incorporated. On June 1st 2006, e-Messenger was renamed to eBuddy.

eBuddy is a privately funded Dutch company. It has an office in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

External Links

References