Today Microsoft and Reuters announce a deal which will bring Reuters News Alerts direct to consumers’ desktops through Windows Live Messenger (formerly MSN Messenger).

Windows Live Messenger customers who are keen to keep up-to-date with breaking news can sign up to receive the free alerts at www.msn.co.uk/messengeralerts, choosing the type of news they want to receive from Top UK News stories, World News, Entertainment News, Business News, Sports News and Oddly Enough News  (the surprising, bizarre and quirky side of life). UK and world news are delivered hourly via an RSS feed, and entertainment stories, business stories and sporting updates are delivered every two hours.

Windows Live Alerts Subscribers as always with will have the ability to control when and how they receive the news alerts, allowing them to:

• Set the time zone so they only receive the alerts as and when they want them
• Modify the delivery method to suit their personal preference, allowing them to request email delivery of alerts even when they are not signed into Windows Live Messenger
• Set quiet times for when they don’t want to be disturbed

Widows Live Messenger customers will be alerted to new announcements via discreet pop ups on the task bar, which they simply click on to view the news update.

Suzanne Cook, Marketing Manager at Windows Live Messenger said: By working with Reuters, we are providing our customers with easy access to the latest news via a service they use everyday. We’re confident the alerts will be a well received addition to the Windows Live Messenger experience.

Tim Faircliff, Reuters General Manager for Consumer Media, UK & EMEA said: We’re delighted to be working with Windows Live Messenger to provide its 14 million monthly UK users with relevant and up-to-the-minute news content. They’ll have complete control over the type of information they receive, and how and when they receive it. For example, anyone who just wants to hear about the latest celebrity haircuts, or their team’s most recent sporting performances, can tailor their news alerts accordingly.