Isn't it possible to still "own the customer" using an open, standardized client interface over a standardized messaging protocol? Given that I own a telephone (open, standardized technology)that I bought from an appliance store and am a customer of AT&T, I know the answer is yes. If IM generated a revenue stream for AOL, Yahoo! and Microsoft outside of banner advertising, I believe we'd have an open standard.

As a user, I care about interoperability. Right now I'm forced (I'm using that term loosely) to own/manage accounts on each of the three major IM platforms to simply keep in touch with friends, family and associates. Trillian helps me manage these accounts in a single interface, but they're not interoperable. I can't pull Tom, Peter and Mary into a chat unless they all use the same service. That's not user friendly or easy.

Now imagine having to own/manage an account on Sprint, AT&T, Cingular, etc. in order to talk to one of your friends or family members who happen to be their customers.

The true power of the telephone was realized when it became open and interoperable. IM will be no different.

Posted by: Shane on May 15, 2002 07:35 AM

 

I don't yet use IM due to the lack of interoperability. I guess noone's learned anything from 'phone/email/SMS, where usage rocketed once systems were able to talk to each other.

Posted by: Matt Round on May 15, 2002 11:52 AM