New data released by the exo.performance.network shows that Skype has eclipsed Windows Live Messenger as the number one IM app. Skype’s installed on 17% of computers in the sample set, as opposed to 16.7% for our friends from the home of Kurt Cobain and venti lattes.

Also, Randall C. Kennedy at Infoworld points out:

Since many MSN Messenger ‘users’ may not even be aware the application is running – several Microsoft products have been known to set up Messenger automatically as part of their overall installation processes – Skype’s gains are even more remarkable as it typically requires that the user make a conscious choice to seek out and install the program.

Of course, Skype’s not just about IM, but the fact that it offers IM along with high quality voice and video calling, whether free or paid – as well as file and screen sharing and SMS – in one place is something we’re very proud of. Starting an IM conversation with a group of friends and then flipping it to a call is a matter of a single click; sharing a link with a conference call in the office is equally easy. Take that, northwestern cousin

Chart from exo.performance.network – view live version