Facebook has launched a new service: Messaging. Rumours have been circulating for some time about this, including reports that Facebook members could get their own @facebook.com e-mail address. But Messages goes much further than e-mail, as messages can be sent not only over e-mail but also delivered via chat and SMS.
Messages looks full of opportunity: Facebook has more than 500 million users and if they all request an e-mail address, Messages is suddenly bigger than Yahoo! Mail (273 million users) and Gmail (193 million) together. The older Hotmail has 365 million users. However, especially in comparison with Gmail, Facebook Messages is at a disadvantage, as Gmail offers a long list of extras. Messages does offer an intuitive approach, as it will be possible to send a message without knowing a phone number or e-mail address. The only limit then is the maximum length of a SMS message (160 characters).
Twitter, with its 140 characters, is notably absent, but when looked at more closely, Twitter is more micro-blogging (one to many) than communication (primarily one to one). Another shortcoming is that anyone wanting to send a message outside his or her circle of friends (such as for business or the dentist) does not have immediate access to the name or phone number of the recipient. Furthermore, VoIP is not included in Messages.
Facebook markets Messages as a communications service for friends and not a 'Gmail replacement'. Even if it's not yet, this could still come in future. Facebook has no reason not to develop Messages further. After reports of an alliance with Skype a month ago, VoIP integration seems only a question of time. Still, Messages is largely a Facebook service, and outside Facebook it's impact will be minimal. Only Facebookers can let their existing communication activities be further cannibalised by Facebook.
