I don't remember when Microsoft has been in such a conciliatory mood. In one day we get announcements that Redmond
has settled with long-time antagonist RealNetworks
(promising in the deal to promote the hell out of Real's Rhapsody music service), and that Microsoft has
made an interoperability agreement with Yahoo!'s IM division. This is the first major agreement between two IM
providers that doesn't involve an acquisition, and it has been years in coming. The raucous market demand for IM
interoperability died down years ago from sheer exhaustion. These IM kingdoms have been defended more viciously than
... well, a good comparison doesn't come to mind. but the day will soon be at hand when Yahoo! Messenger users will
chat with MSN Messenger users.
Did Google's stab at an open IM platform with Google Talk inspire this reconciliation? Or, conversely, are Microsoft
and Yahoo! sticking it to Google (and, of course, AOL) by teaming up to grab an estimated 44 percent of the market?
Will AOL follow? Will anyone invite it to?
Microsoft and Yahoo!: Tear Down This Wall!
Reader Comments
(Page 1)2. I bet the makers of Trillian are worried about this.
Posted at 5:45AM on Dec 19th 2005 by SEO articles
1. This is great! Most of my friends and work mates are on MSN, but I really like the Yahoo client, so this could not be better for me!
It would be nice to see if they open the networks then also allow things like winks and video to work also. One can hope!
Posted at 5:45AM on Dec 19th 2005 by loom001