MSN for Mac OS X

MSN for Mac OS X, a dial-up client interface to Microsoft's pay-for-access online services, was discontinued on March 2005. The software was, in some respects, comparable to the AOL dial-up client given its channelized interface, built-in chat and instant messaging capabilities, parental controls, and ability to accommodate multiple screen names. It used the Tasman layout engine made for Apple Macintosh edition of Internet Explorer 5.

Upon the client software's discontinuation, Microsoft released this statement: "After May 31, 2005, customers will no longer access MSN service by using the MSN for Mac OS X Internet Software. Instead of accessing MSN services using the MSN for Mac OS X internet software, customers will access MSN services and features with their preferred browser and by setting up a My MSN page as a portal to their favorite online destinations."

Microsoft continues to offer its MSN Messenger for OS X software, an instant messaging-only client which, unlike the bulkier MSN for Mac OS X, requires only a free MSN Messenger account for use. MSN Messenger is comparable to, although not compatible with, AOL Instant Messenger (AIM).