AIM Turns Professional
AOL has partnered with business software developer WebEx Communications Inc. to develop a business version of AOL Instant messenger called AIM Pro. Enhanced security features like encryption will let workers communicate with each other privately. In addition to secure chat, AIM Pro will also feature VoIP conference calling, online meetings, and live demos. The new service is expected to launch in mid-2006.
AIM Pro will be available in two versions: one for small businesses and individuals, and an enterprise edition with more administrative controls for large businesses. AIM Pro will also work with the current consumer-level AIM, possibly opening the door for B2C IM communications. There are currently 70 million users connected to the AIM network through AIM, ICQ, and Apple’s iChat services. AIM Pro will also connect users to the MediaTone Network, WebEx’s collaborative business network.
“Co-created with the recognized business collaboration leader, the new service will bring business-class IM, online conferencing, collaboration, desktop sharing and advanced multimedia services to the global workplace,” said Brian Curry, vice president of premium and subscription services for AOL in a statement. AIM is the current consumer-level IM leader. And the new business-oriented AIM Pro will take it in direct competition with business IM offerings from Microsoft and IBM.
Reader Comments.
First question is, are these apps going to be for pay? Second, are any businesses really biting on this? Plenty of businesses use IM for communicating - but a lot is internal.
I have not seen too many cases were businesses communicate with clients via IM - but I know that happens because I’ve done that was well. But, I make sure I dont discuss sensitve matters online via IM.
I suppose enterprise level communication MAY find it useful, but I really dont see small or medium-sized businesses using this or paying for it.
I for one, won’t be paying for anything like this as a small business. It’s an unnecessary expense that I see absolutely no benefit in.
Leave a Comment
Article Sponsor
More News
Latest News
- Reality Bites Google December 3rd 2008
- 2009 Revenue For Twitter December 3rd 2008
- Funding Round-Up: Evernote, Angie’s List, UTest December 3rd 2008
- Ads Not Working? Change The Font December 3rd 2008
- MySpace Breaks Into Mobile Ad Market December 3rd 2008
- Cyber Monday, Profitless Boon? December 3rd 2008
- Yahoo, Rumors and Stupidity December 3rd 2008
- FCC To Mull Free Internet Plan December 2nd 2008
Spotlight
Mobile to the RescueADOTAS EXCLUSIVE — The industry is still wary about mobile advertising — does it work, how significant is the ROI [...] more...
Features
- Down Year Will Bring Opportunities December 3rd 2008
- Mobile to the Rescue December 2nd 2008
- Ideas On Effective Management December 2nd 2008
- Quality Video: DIY (Cheap) or Else December 1st 2008
- Will Widget Channel Be Tuned In? November 26th 2008
Reader Favorites
Classifieds
Most Commented
- Targeting Is the Ad Network "Killer App" (7)
- Vengence is Mine Saith Ballmer (6)
- When Boomers, Gen Y Collide (5)
- Study: Blogs Beat Social Networks on Purchase Influence (5)
- Federal Bailout Proposed for Online Ad Industry (4)
- Ad Networks That Buck the Downward Trend (4)
- Self-Serve Ad Exchange: This Century's Strowger Switch? (3)
- Bust-Outs and Layoffs: Apple, NBCU, Nokia, Spot Runner, WildTangent (3)
