Microsoft has again followed Google on its web efforts and has launched Windows Live Contacts API similar to Google Contacts API, reports TechCrunch.

The Windows Live Contacts API currently works with Facebook, Bebo, Hi5, Tagged and LinkedIn offering users an ability to port contacts from Windows Live account to these services and vice versa.  The REST API will let users securely and seamlessly transfer and share their contacts to these service for finding and inviting friends.

The two-way Live Contacts API also allows users to port their social networking contacts to Windows Live account which is being demonstrated at a new site Invite2Messenger which works with Facebook at the moment.

Although Microsoft is singing tunes of Data Portability, the move looks more of a competitive one.  Whatever it is, the ultimate winner is the Internet user who now have more options and control over the data.

Popularity: 3% [?]