AOL Opens Up AIM Further

By Ed Oswald | Published March 20, 2006, 1:34 PM

AOL said Monday that it was launching a new Web site in hopes that developers would create new applications to be used in a new AIM Web page creation tool. Called IAmAlpha.com, the site would allow developers to upload snippets of DHTML and then create applications from those snippets or those uploaded by others. These modules could then be embedded into a Web page. The modules are based on AOL’s ModuleT open format that enables the syndication of mashups, Web content and Ajax applications.

"With the I Am Alpha website, our flexible and extensible module-building tools and a little creativity, the possibilities for modules are endless," said Kerry Parkins, Director of Audience Product Management for AOL. "The modules that developers generate will be vital as we create a new platform that will make it even easier for the more than 63 million active AIM users to connect with their circle of 'buddies' and others within the AIM community."

Comments

View comments by with a score of at least

Yeah, this is open.

I hope you don't use Safari!!

Score: 0

|

This has little to do with their instant messaging system. They're parlaying AIM's brand name to fold in small apps and widgets -- microformats -- constructed with AJAX and hAtom. And it's open source! The leg up they provide developers and hobbyists includes server space!
Go read the IAmAlpha pages, links and wikis.
This is a laudable initiative placing AOL in the forefront of Web2.0 tech.

Score: 0

|

How can I get into the Alpha program for AIM??

- Josh

Score: 0

|

How can I get into the Alpha program for AIM??
-----------------------------------------------
Don't know that you can without being a AOL beta tester to begin with and then by invite only as a beta tester. Although with AIM, who knows for sure. Good luck though.

Score: 0

|

I wish they would do more with ICQ I Love ICQ.

Score: 0

|

i 3rd that. I thoght it was gonna be some great article and download about a new aim already but no it has to be some dumb thing like this.

C'mon guys name things properly.

Score: 0

|

BFD

Score: 0

|

Can we please not refer to this project as AIM opening up? Seriously. It has nothing to do at all with opening up to other networks. Being able to add plugins is called product extensibility. AOL Increases AIM Extensibility sounds much more accurate.

I know I don't speak for everyone... but I gave up on AIM a long time ago, because the software is just horrible. I switched to Trillian so I can still communicate with friends, but for the most part I'm on MSN, although YIM is the one good thing Yahoo has going for them these days.

Score: 0

|

i 2nd that

Score: 0

|

PDC 2009 Day 0: Vista is through

If there was any doubt in your mind that Microsoft is putting Vista behind it, the first session at PDC would eliminate it for good.

Samsung releases another Android: where will it fit in with Bada approaching?

Samsung today announced the Galaxy Spica, sequel to its first Android handset destined for Europe and Asia.

Apple was NOT more profitable selling cell phones than Nokia in Q3

Recent reports that Apple's phone business generated $1.6 billion profit compared to $1.1 billion for Nokia don't add up. The companies' financial disclosures tell all.

PDC 2009 Preview: The move to Office 2010 and Visual Studio 2010

The major focus of Microsoft's conference next week will likely be explaining why two pillars of its software sales strategy deserve to remain where they are.

Twitter to abandon 'politically biased' suggested user list

Twitter's suggested list of users to follow will be going away, says co-founder Biz Stone.

Windows Marketplace for Mobile launches on WinMo 6.0 and 6.1

No longer isolated to Windows Mobile 6.5, the Windows Phone app store has opened up to older versions of Windows Mobile.

The Internet can still be a positive force, World Wide Web Foundation says

Sir Tim Berners-Lee's World Wide Web Foundation has launched worldwide operations.

Blockbuster's way down, but poised for a comeback

Though it took a serious beating in 2009, Blockbuster CEO Jim Keyes says the company can turn it around.

iTunes Preview doesn't go far enough to create Web-based option for store

Apple has rolled out iTunes Preview, a Web interface for browsing iTunes.

Dell's first smartphone aids the Android onslaught

Longtime PC leader Dell has finally announced its Android-based smarphone.

After the Intel + AMD armistice: Do we really want a level playing field?

Scott Fulton On Point: One by one, the reasons for us to continue suspending the course toward open and fair competition in IT, are dropping like flies.