The new AIM 6.0 brings a lot of new features with the goal of crushing their direct adversaries Yahoo! And Microsoft which recently made a partnership that allows communication between their IM networks.
AOL created a partnership with Google to link AIM with the Gtalk IM service. AIM already has connection with other IM platforms, such as Apple Computer's iChat, Reuters Group's system, and AOL's ICQ.
Let’s see what new features come with the AIM 6.0 upgrade.

New features in AIM 6.0:
- In AIM 6.0, the number of contacts a user can have doubled to 1,000 people
- The ability to send messages to offline users and to store IM sessions in a PC
- A new option intended to make it easier for users to access existing mobile features, like setting up mobile alerts and IM forwarding
- A redesigned AIM Today welcome Web page, with access to users' web mail accounts from AOL, Yahoo's Mail Plus and Google's Gmail.
- Single sign-on to a variety of AIM-related services, like the AIM Mail
As one of the most popular online communication tools if not the most popular, instant messaging has evolved from offering users only the ability to exchange text in real time to providing evolution to services, like Internet telephony, games, video chats, and integration with e-mail. Because IM services are so popular, they are also attractive for delivering online advertising.
Now remains to be seen which alliance will win AOL&Google or Microsoft and Yahoo!

written by Madalin D.