Web 2.0 instant messenger service

Microsoft has finally announced interoperability between Windows Live Messenger (the next version of MSN Messenger) and Yahoo Messenger. The two platforms have a combined total of 350 million users, and the deal has created the world’s largest consumer-facing IM community. During the limited public beta, users can exchange instant messages, see their friends’ presence status, share emoticons and add friends to either service. This is a great move that marks a wider trend towards opening up social services. AOL’s AIMPages, for example, integrates with many of its competitors, while open APIs have been a big part of the Web 2.0 success stories - Flickr, del. ***