How eBuddy Functions

Modern technology has made it clear: people love to communicate. That's why there are countless devices and apps designed to help people stay connected. Whether it's a cell phone, laptop, or BlackBerry, almost every modern device features various communication tools. Even the once-standalone Walkman, the iPod, has evolved into an internet-connected device, thanks to the iPhone and iPod Touch.

But how convenient is it to keep in touch with the people around you? In today's world, where multitasking is the norm, many people juggle multiple email accounts and update their profiles across several social media platforms. Managing these contacts can get overwhelming, which is where eBuddy comes to the rescue.

eBuddy was founded in 2003 in Amsterdam by Dutch executives Jan-Joost Rueb and Onno Bakker under the name e-Messenger (the name changed in 2006). It began as "the world's first independent, web-based instant messaging service" [source: eBuddy]. Today, eBuddy offers free chat services to approximately 18 million unique visitors each month [source: Reuters]. eBuddy integrates with services like AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), MSN, Yahoo, ICQ, and Google Talk (GTalk), as well as MySpace and Facebook, allowing users with multiple contact lists to combine them all into eBuddy's platform. This simplifies chatting by eliminating the need to juggle different windows and applications. In fact, the average eBuddy user manages over 200 contacts, which explains the platform's widespread popularity [source: eBuddy].

eBuddy's free chat service isn't limited to desktop computers. In June 2007, the company introduced its mobile chat version, eBuddy Mobile Messenger. This app offers the same core features as the web version, consolidating contact lists from various platforms into one interface on mobile devices. For devices unable to run Mobile Messenger (like older iPhones or feature phones), eBuddy offers a lighter alternative called Lite Messenger. Although Lite Messenger lacks some advanced features, it works on nearly any internet-connected device, including the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP. Yes, now you can chat while gaming on the go! On the next page, we’ll guide you through using eBuddy, from creating an account to learning which versions let you upload custom avatars. But managing conversations with 200 contacts? That's up to you.

Getting Started with eBuddy

Getting started with eBuddy is quick and simple. If you want to skip creating an account and dive right into using the service, head to eBuddy's homepage (eBuddy.com). You'll see a box in the center of the screen featuring logos of compatible profiles (MySpace, Facebook, AIM, MSN, GTalk, ICQ, and Yahoo). Just sign in to the profile you wish to use, and within a few seconds (and after viewing a brief ad), eBuddy will import your contacts. You'll need to repeat these steps for any additional profiles you'd like to use. While login is fast, linking multiple accounts will take a few extra minutes.

If you prefer not to log in to multiple profiles each time you want to chat, consider setting up an eBuddy ID. This process is simple and takes about the same time as logging into several profiles. Once you've set up your eBuddy ID, it’s a one-time process, so the next time you use eBuddy, just enter your password, and all your contacts will be ready to go. To get started, click on the "eBuddy ID" link at the top of the homepage.

Setting up eBuddy Mobile Messenger on your BlackBerry, PDA, or cell phone is a bit more involved because you need to first download a small app before you can start using the service. Like the rest of eBuddy, this app is free and lightweight (less than a megabyte), but it will take up space on your device’s storage. Additionally, it’s only available on certain devices. Fortunately, the Lite Messenger version works on many devices that can’t access the main Messenger app, such as the iPhone, and doesn’t require a download. However, this version lacks several features, including avatar customization and the ability to send pictures, which may be disappointing for users used to the full service.

Once you’re set up, using eBuddy is a breeze. Anyone familiar with managing contacts and instant messaging will find the interface easy to navigate. Whether you're using the web or mobile version, the layout of options, contacts, and text boxes is clear and user-friendly.

Advantages of eBuddy

eBuddy's widespread accessibility, along with its free service, is one of the key reasons it remains so popular. Any device that can connect to the internet can run some version of eBuddy. The primary requirement for computers and some mobile devices is Java support, and most mobile devices that support xHTML or Wireless Application Protocol (which includes nearly all of them) can access Mobile Messenger or Lite Messenger [source: eBuddy]. Additionally, eBuddy is available in 37 different languages, from Standard English to Brazilian Portuguese, with plans to add even more languages in the future [source: eBuddy].

Anyone familiar with instant messaging will find eBuddy easy to use. It offers standard chat features like adding and grouping contacts, changing font styles and colors, and quick access to emoticons. If you're using a computer and have a webcam, you can even enjoy video chats.

eBuddy also serves those who like to bend the rules. If you're ever tempted to chat with friends instead of working, eBuddy has you covered. Its service can bypass most firewalls since there’s no need to download anything. As long as your IT administrator hasn't blocked eBuddy's website (and your boss doesn't catch you), you should be able to chat freely.

Despite its advantages, there are some drawbacks to using eBuddy. For starters, you can’t access the service without first watching an advertisement. Additionally, if you use eBuddy frequently on your mobile phone, the free service can quickly become costly, as your mobile provider will charge you for data usage. While this isn't eBuddy's fault, it's something to keep in mind if you plan to do a lot of messaging while on the go. Also, any changes you make on eBuddy won’t update your original contact list. For example, if you change a MySpace contact's address on eBuddy, you'll still have to manually update it on MySpace itself.

Although eBuddy has its limitations, it continues to be a widely used app by millions of users worldwide on a daily basis. Its affordable price, user-friendly design, and ease of access have helped the Dutch company rise to prominence as the leading independent provider of web and mobile instant messaging services globally [source: Reuters].