=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
This E-mail is Sponsored by: Small Dog Electronics
--> Specializing in New & Factory Refurbished Apple computers <--
Surf to <http://www.smalldog.com> Check out our daily specials!
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
http://www.insanely-great.com/news.php?id=1188
AOL to open AIM to ICQ
By ron carlson, Insanely Great Mac
October 29th 2002
The alphabet soup that is online chat could gain new interoperability
News.com reports that America Online has said that the next version of AOL Instant
Messenger (v5.1) will be able to communicate with ICQ. For AOL, which has stuck
assiduously to its proprietary closed-shop business model, this is a surprise move
that will eliminate the barrier between the company's instant messaging service and
the world + dog (props to The Register).
"We're implementing the test in response to the growth of AOL in Europe, ICQ's
leadership in Europe, and some consumer feedback from AOL members who wanted the
ability to exchange instant messages with ICQ members," said Anne Bentley, an AOL
spokeswoman.
The decision signals an abrupt turn about for AOL which has long claimed that AIM and
ICQ users had no interest in communicating with one another.
AIM v5.1 beta is only available for Windoze and no information on a like numbered
Mac-compatible client is listed. The beta can be downloaded here.
Editor's note: Slowly but surely the world is adopting a more open approach to
computing in general and communications in particular. Additionally -- AOL's
explanation aside -- it's hard not to read this move as a reaction to competition from
proprietary, �ber demon Microsoft. Whatever the case, how bad can the inclusion of
open source protocols in "the world's most popular IM client" be?
=-=-=
Web links for articles available on Web site version. Please refer to Web site version
for all revisions, corrections and updates.
Post comments to this article and view reader comments at the Web site. Web site
version of this article can be viewed at:
http://www.insanely-great.com/news.php?id=1188
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Copyright (c) 2002 Insanely Great Mac. All rights reserved. This article
may not be republished in part or whole without explicit written
permission from Insanely Great Mac.
Brought to you by Insanely Great Mac <http://www.insanely-great.com/>
To SUBSCRIBE - send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with subject
subscribe macnews
To UNSUBSCRIBE - send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with subject
unsubscribe macnews
Subscription problems/questions please email [EMAIL PROTECTED]
