Yahoo Adds SMS Text Messaging to Web Mail Interface

Telecom News Editorials Reports Glossary

6:40 am on August 28, 2007 | Category: Web Services, Email, Messaging

Internet giant, Yahoo, extended its popular web mail service beyond traditional email yesterday, adding the ability to send wireless text messages from within the Yahoo Mail interface.

The company has also tweaked the integration of its email, instant messaging, and text messaging features of Yahoo Mail, and says that these changes will turn the web mail service into a full-service “social communication” tool.

“We’re responding to our customers,” explained Yahoo Mail vice president, John Kremer. “They don’t want to bounce around to many different areas.”

The upgrade also makes it easier for web mail users to check maps, directions, and travel information from within the user interface. Gartner analyst, Mike McGuire, says that the new features, specifically text messaging, keep Yahoo “on par or just a little bit ahead” of its competitors.

“This is a realization that we don’t just use e-mail to communicate anymore,” McGuire commented. “We all now have cellphones and instant messaging, and both can do text messages. This is a valuable feature that enhances the platform.”