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AOL Opens Up AIM Further

By Ed Oswald, BetaNews

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."

Add a Comment (9 Comments)

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By spiked

posted Mar 21, 2006 - 5:17 PM

Yeah, this is open.

I hope you don't use Safari!!

Score: 0

By ckjnigel

posted Mar 21, 2006 - 2:46 PM

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

By JoshvanHulst

posted Mar 21, 2006 - 11:19 AM

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

- Josh

Score: 0

By TomA102210

posted Mar 21, 2006 - 2:07 PM

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

By thunder7

posted Mar 21, 2006 - 9:06 AM

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

Score: 0

By NSPolak

edited Mar 20, 2006 - 8:18 PM

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

By Kompressor

posted Mar 20, 2006 - 6:33 PM

BFD

Score: 0

By GoodThings2Life

posted Mar 20, 2006 - 5:42 PM

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

By Adrian79

posted Mar 20, 2006 - 6:54 PM

i 2nd that

Score: 0

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