RSSAOL Joins WebEx to Launch 'AIM Pro'
By Nate Mook | Published February 21, 2006, 1:19 PM
AOL is linking up with WebEx Communications to develop a new instant messaging client that integrates collaborative business functionality such as online meetings and live demonstrations. Code-named "AIM Pro," the software will come in two versions: one for small to mid-sized businesses and one for enterprises.
AIM Pro builds upon the same code base found in AOL's new Triton, but sports a streamlined user interface designed for business environments. A company spokesperson said that AIM Pro will become the recommended client for business users, while Triton remains consumer oriented.
AOL hopes to ride the growing wave of instant messaging among corporate users. According to a recent survey by The Radicati Group, IM has become a key collaboration tool for 135 million workers, with usage expected to soar to over 477 million by 2009.
WebEx will also help AOL establish AIM as strong platform for businesses at a time when it faces tough competition. Web conferencing software from WebEx has become a primary way for companies to demonstrate their solutions and connect with mobile and remote workers.
Microsoft is making its own inroads into enterprise messaging with the recent launch of Office Communicator, which integrates voice, video and text messaging into a single client. A mobile and Web based version of the software recently debuted for mobile devices like smartphones.
AIM Pro will deliver added security over Triton, along with the voice and video capabilities offered by the WebEx MediaTone Network. The software will connect with AOL AIM, ICQ and Apple iChat users, as well as business-oriented IM clients through the AIM Clearinghouse service.
"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," commented Brian Curry, vice president of AOL's Premium and Subscription Services.
Pricing for the software and services were not yet announced. AOL expects to launch the final product in the second quarter of 2006.
AOL already offers a WebEx service to its (paying) users via the AOL Beta site...its called LinkToPC, and its a VNC type service for your own PC which is like GotoMyPC, in which you remotely connect to your PC with all traffic going thru the HTTP protocol, with no extra setup required (outside of installing the software)
Score: 0
The LinktoPC is not a free service. It is also not an IM service. It is a way to remotely connect PC's.
Score: 0
no i know that. im just pointing out that AOL has been associated with WebEx for a lot longer than this article would otherwise suggest.
its free to paying members of AOL...so yeah its not free. What is AOL now? $20/month for the dialup? The account I use to check out AOL-only beta products is my aunt's account. She pays $5/month just to hold on to the AOL e-mail. It works with AOL (non-AIM account) beta products.
Score: 0
"its free to paying members of AOL...so yeah its not free. What is AOL now? $20/month for the dialup? The account I use to check out AOL-only beta products is my aunt's account. She pays $5/month just to hold on to the AOL e-mail. It works with AOL (non-AIM account) beta products."
----------------------------------------------
Since you have access to your aunts account, check out Keyword: Link to PC and you will find out that it says, "For a limited time, try it free". So as you say, "so its not free." By the way, does your aunt know what the NDA is regarding beta products on AOL?
Score: 0
I didn't think AOL had a "NDA" on its Beta products anymore? Just about anybody can download them (with an AOL or AIM account), so therefore it's not really a big secrect?
Score: 0