Shooter's Blog

You can use the Windows Live (formerly MSN Messenger) client, version 6.0 and later, to develop a single-user or multi-user application Activity applications through the Windows Live Messenger Activity API. Windows Live Messenger (or MSN Messenger 6.0 or later) users start the Activity in a conversation window, interacting with a contact (buddy) with multi-user Activities.

The following steps show the process from initial development to users launching the Activity within the Windows Live Messenger or MSN Messenger client.

1. Read the Messenger Activity SDK documentation.
2. Develop your Activity and perform pre-review compliance testing of the application as specified in the Messenger Activity SDK.
3. Submit your Activity to Microsoft  via the Windows Live Gallery for final review of compliance with program requirements.
4. Receive notification from Microsoft that your Activity successfully completed the review process and is approved for use within MSN Messenger and Windows Live Messenger.

During the review process, Microsoft determines if your Activity conforms to specifications in the Windows Live Messenger Activity SDK and complies with Activity program requirements. Activity program requirements include compliance with Windows Live Messenger Terms of Use; absence of materials or functionality that compete with Windows Live Search, Windows Live Messenger, MSN Hotmail, and Windows Live Spaces; and other requirements determined by Microsoft at its sole discretion. If you are unsure that your Activity will successfully complete the review process, contact Microsoft at activity@microsoft.com prior to starting work.