Microsoft and Yahoo Try To Bring Together IM Networks

By

Microsoft and Yahoo are set to announce today a blockbuster interoperability deal that will reshape the landscape of the fragmented instant messaging market. It does not seem that any name changes are going to take place, but if one does we would like to vote for “YahSoft” or “Microhoo”!

The companies will connect their IM networks so users on each can communicate with one another using text and voice chat free of charge. Yahoo and Microsoft will now command upward of 44 percent of the market, according to research firm Radicati Group, putting new pressure on market leader AOL, which holds around 56 percent market share with AIM and ICQ. And according to recent comScore Media Metrix numbers, MSN Messenger and Yahoo Messenger together reach 33.5 million unique users each month, more than the 23 million running AIM.

Comments are closed.