Collaboration software firm WebEx on Wednesday released the final version of AIM Pro Business Edition, which entered beta testing in June. The software, designed for large corporations, follows AOL's release of the standard AIM Pro beta that is targeted at small to mid-size businesses.

WebEx AIM Pro Business Edition enables corporations to deploy and manage a company-wide IM infrastructure based upon AOL's Triton platform. It supports the standard AIM communication features, while adding online meetings and live demonstrations with desktop sharing using technology from WebEx.

Like the standard AIM Pro, Business Edition delivers added security over AIM with message encryption, along with the voice and video capabilities offered by the WebEx MediaTone Network. But features for corporate users aren't the main draw of the service: WebEx notes most other enterprise IM solutions require a dedicated server.

"There is a reason EIM software hasn't taken off, companies simply don't want to buy and maintain complex IM servers," said David Knight, vice president of messaging solutions at WebEx. "WebEx AIM Pro combines the reach and productivity benefits of web-based IM, the administrative controls of an on-premise EIM solution and the cost advantages of on-demand."

The software will connect with AOL AIM, ICQ and Apple iChat users, as well as business-oriented IM clients through the AIM Clearinghouse service. The new client also integrates with Outlook to enable users to see their instant messages, calendar and e-mails in one place.

WebEx AIM Pro Business Edition is free to download from FileForum.