Many may already know that Microsoft has partnered withLinked In, MySpace, and Facebook to allow integration with MS Outlook thatallows you to connect your social accounts all within Outlook. The beta versionhas been out for some time, dubbed MS Outlook 2010 Social Connector, but Imight add that the module also works with Outlook 2003 and 2007 (I have beentesting it with 2007). The Linked In functionality has been up and running forsometime and yesterday, after keeping a watchful eye on the Social ConnectorSite from Microsoft the MySpace connector became available at just follow thislink http://www.microsoft.com/office/2010/en/socialconnector/default.aspx.

The Social Connector‘s intent is to synchronize our socialnetworks with Outlook, SharePoint and Windows Live contacts all within Outlookwhich would make sense with the popularity of Outlooks use in the business environment.I must say from what I have seen thus far it is pretty sweet and think with afew tweaks it may just rank up there with TweetDeck. Among the many features ofthe connector module I really like the additional pane that combines everythingin one place. The Facebook and Windows Live connector is not yet functional andI’m anxiously waiting to get my paws on this function as well. Also, there hasn’tbeen any Buzz about Google Buzz or Twitter, but I imagine that these two willsoon be in the works as well.  

To get this bad boy installed you will first need to go toMicrosoft’s download page here http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=c87e257c-d76f-4785-a09b-af36babd6e32&displaylang=en#instructionsthen just click the download button and install the connector. You will need tomake sure Outlook is shut down when you go to execute the installation. Also afew notes about this. First off, if you’re using SharePoint Services make sureyou follow the instructions on the download page and also remember that this isa Beta and there may be some hiccups with it (my bad experiences so far hasbeen minimal). Next you will just need to go to the connector page and installthe Linked In and MySpace connectors. http://www.microsoft.com/office/2010/en/socialconnector/default.aspx

Once installed just launch Outlook and Go to Tools>SocialNetwork Account Settings and enter your username and password for Linked IN andMySpace.  I might mention that I had anissue with adding these accounts since I use the same username and password forboth Linked In and MySpace which generated a error stating that the useraccount has already been established. To work around this I just went into MySpaceand changed my email address and password to differentiate it from Linked Inand I was off and running.