You can send an instant message to any person where the Person Names Smart Tag indicates anything except an offline status.

To learn more about instant messaging, see About Instant Messaging.

1. Click the Person Names Smart Tag.
2. Click Send Instant Message.
3. Compose your message, and then click Send.

Notes

• Online status is available for any person whose instant messaging e-mail address you have added to your instant messaging contact list. In addition, online status is shown for people using the Exchange Instant Messaging Service or SIP Communications Service, regardless of whether they are on your contact list.
• When you open a message in Microsoft Outlook or when it is displayed in the Reading Pane, the Person Names Smart Tag is shown beside the sender's name. In addition, each name on the To and Cc lines will display the Person Names Smart Tag when you rest the pointer on the name.