What is Instant Messaging?

Instant messaging is a form of real-time communication between two or more people based on typed text messages. "Instant messages" are sent via computers that are simultaneously active and connected to the Internet, or within an organization, to a local network.

Photo credit: Andrew Fishbitt

Instant messaging differs from traditional e-mail in the fact that communications can be sent and received instantly.

It is also true - though most instant messaging uses today ignore this fact - that instant messaging does not require those very messages to be always exchanged in real-time, in each and every situation.

That means, that as instant messengers will gradually become more familiar tools to a greater number of users, it will become increasingly common to use IM also for non-instantaneous/asynchronous communications.

While until today most instant messaging application have required the download and use of a dedicated client program we are now seeing the emergence of instant messaging tools that allow access to major instant messaging networks directly from any Internet connected web browser, PDA or mobile phone.

"In early instant messaging programs, each letter appeared as it was typed, and when letters were deleted to correct typos this was also seen in real time. This made it more like a telephone conversation than exchanging letters.

These services owe many ideas to an older (and still popular) online chat medium known as Internet Relay Chat (IRC).

In early instant messaging programs each character appeared as it was typed. The UNIX "talk" command shown in these screenshots was popular in the 1980s and early 1990s."
(Source: Wikipedia)

In modern instant messaging programs, the other party in the conversation generally only sees each line of text right after a new line is started.

Most instant messaging systems allow the user to set an online status or away message, so peers get notified whenever the user is available, busy, or away from the computer.

On the other hand, people are not forced to reply immediately to incoming messages. This way, communication via instant messaging can be less intrusive than communication via phone, which is partly a reason why instant messaging is becoming more and more important in every day business and academic use.

What really characterizes instant messaging from other forms of text messaging applications is in fact the use of an indicator of "presence", which enables the user of an instant messaging applications to rendez-vous with his/her counterparties and see their availability status.

Instant messaging typically boosts communication and allows easy collaboration. In contrast to e-mails or phone, the parties know whether the peer is available.

The fact that instant messages typically get logged in a local message history closes the gap to the persistent nature of e-mails, facilitating quick, safe, and persistent exchange of information such as URLs of web pages which cannot be easily exchanged when on a telephone communication.

The typical features of Instant Messengers

1. Presence awareness
   
   A visual display indicator showing the availability status of an instant messaging user (e.g.: "busy", "away", "available").
2. Contact list
   List of contacts with whom a direct communication can be opened instantly when they are "available". Traditionally referred to as a "buddy list".
3. Text chat
   A real-time text chat window in which instant messaging users can type text messages to each other.
4. Chat history log
   Ability of the IM application to store a full record of all text exchanges with other contacts.
5. Interoperability with other IM networks
   Ability to contact and communicate with multiple IM networks simultaneously (Yahoo Messenger, ICQ, AOL, etc.).
6. Conference
   Ability to support text chat exchanges among multiple users simultaneously.
7. VoIP
   Support for VoIP (audio) communication.
8. Video
   Support for video communication.
9. Call-out to traditional phones
   Support for dialing directly worldwide phone numbers (Skype, Gizmo Project, Babble, Yahoo Messenger, etc.).
10. Sharing files
    Ability to send directly files to contacts (Skype).
11. Sharing images
    Ability to showcase in real-time any type of digital image (Yahoo Messenger).
12. Secure / encrypted communication
    Ability to protect all IM communication via encryption algorithms.

The most popular Instant Messengers

Yahoo Messenger

Yahoo! Messenger is a popular instant messaging client and protocol provided by Yahoo!. Yahoo! Messenger is free of charge and can be downloaded and used with a generic "Yahoo! ID", which also allows access to other Yahoo! services, such as Yahoo! Mail, where users can be automatically notified when they receive new email. Yahoo instant messenger also includes a security feature which allows the user to be "invisible" to whoever they choose.
http://messenger.yahoo.com/

• Cross-platform: Win, Mac, Unix
  
• Web-based access: YES
  
• Multi-network: YES


• VoIP: YES


• Video: YES


• PSTN: NO


• SMS Enabled: YES


• File sending: YES


• History (text chat recording): YES


• RSS Support: NO


• Open-source/Proprietary: P


• URL/download: http://messenger.yahoo.com/


• Cost: Free

Our review:

Instant Messaging Integrates Telephony And PC-To-Phone Calls: Yahoo Messenger With Voice Is Here
March 23, 2006

Windows Live Messenger

Windows Live Messenger is the next-generation MSN Messenger. Along with everything you already know about MSN Messenger, there are brand new features that provide you with new ways to connect and share files with your contacts. As always, it's free to download Messenger and use most of its features.
http://messenger.msn.com/

• Cross-platform: Win, Mac
  
• Web-based access: YES
  
• Multi-network: YES


• VoIP: YES


• Video: YES


• PSTN: NO


• SMS Enabled: YES


• File sending: YES


• History (text chat recording): YES


• RSS Support: NO


• Open-source/Proprietary: P


• URL/download: http://get.live.com/messenger/


• Cost: Free

Our review:

Microsoft Instant Messenger Gets Better: Windows Live Messenger 8 Beta
May 31, 2006

AIM Pro

AIM Pro is the advanced version of AIM. With this IM you can experience high level quality and robust communication. It includes the familiar features of the AIM service, and adds powerful new features for busy professionals.
http://aimpro.premiumservices.aol.com/

• Cross-platform: Win


• Web-based access: NO


• Multi-network: NO


• VoIP: YES


• Video: YES


• PSTN: NO


• SMS Enabled: NO


• File sending: YES


• History (text chat recording): NO


• RSS Support: NO


• Open-source/Proprietary: P


• URL/download: http://aimpro.premiumservices.aol.com/
  


• Cost: Free

Skype

Skype is a software that lets you make free PC to PC calls to anyone else on Skype, anywhere in the world. And even though the calls are free, they are really excellent quality. If you and your friends, family or business contacts are using webcams, you can also make free video calls. You can even call landlines and mobile phones at really cheap per minute rates (and there's no setup or subscription fee). Skype is available for Windows, Mac and Linux (video calls are currently available only to Windows and Mac users). Free download.
http://www.skype.com/

• Cross-platform: Win, Mac, Linux, Pocket PC


• Web-based access: NO


• Multi-network: NO


• VoIP: YES


• Video: YES


• PSTN: YES


• SMS Enabled: YES


• File sending: YES


• History (text chat recording): YES


• RSS Support: NO


• Open-source/Proprietary: P


• URL/download: http://www.skype.com/
  


• Cost: Free

Our reviews:

Skype Goes SMS: The New 2.5 Beta Version Reviewed
May 18, 2006

Skype Becomes An Open Development Platform
November 9, 2004

Google Talk

Google Talk enables you to call or send instant messages to your friends for free, anytime, anywhere in the world. Google Talk allows you to get in touch with an IM, email, or a call (only between Google Talk users) and supports files transfering. Google Talk requires Windows XP/2000 but Mac and Linux users can connect to Google Talk using other IM clients. Free download.
http://www.google.com/talk/

• Cross-platform: Win


• Web-based access: NO


• Multi-network: YES


• VoIP: YES


• Video: NO


• PSTN: NO


• SMS Enabled: NO


• File sending: YES


• History (text chat recording): YES


• RSS Support: NO


• Open-source/Proprietary: P


• URL/download: http://www.google.com/talk/
  


• Cost: Free

Our review:

Instant Messaging With Integrated VoIP: Google Talk Is Here
August 24, 2005

ICQ

ICQ ("I Seek You") is a program you can download that will let you know when friends and contacts are also online on the Internet. The most updated ICQ version (5.1) features instant messaging, SMS, voice and video chat, as well as games, customizing tools and other ICQ extras. Windows only. Free download.
http://www.icq.com/

• Cross-platform: Win


• Web-based access: NO


• Multi-network: NO


• VoIP: YES


• Video: YES


• PSTN: NO


• SMS Enabled: YES


• File sending: YES


• History (text chat recording): YES


• RSS Support: NO


• Open-source/Proprietary: P


• URL/download: http://www.icq.com/
  


• Cost: Free

Gizmo Project

An internet telephone. As simple as an instant messenger. You can make free calls to all Gizmo users and features free voicemail and conferences calls from your desktop. Gizmo also provides inexpensive add-ons that let you make and receive phone calls from any mobile and landline phone. At the moment you can make free calls to 60 countries. It works on Windows, Mac and Linux. Free download.
http://www.gizmoproject.com/

• Cross-platform: Win, Mac, Linux


• Web-based access: NO


• Multi-network: YES


• VoIP: YES


• Video: NO


• PSTN: YES


• SMS Enabled: NO


• File sending: NO


• History (text chat recording): NO


• RSS Support: NO


• Open-source/Proprietary: P


• URL/download: http://www.gizmoproject.com/
  


• Cost: Free

Our reviews:

VoIP Telephony: GizmoProject Ushers Us Further Into The New Free Phone Calls Era - All Calls Free Launches Today
July 20, 2006

Cross-Platform IM To Call Traditional Phones And PCs: Skype-like Gizmo Project Keeps Growing
June 21, 2006

Apple iChat

iChat is an instant text messaging application, supporting AOL Instant Messenger and Jabber Instant Messenger clients. You can transmit any kind of file from a web address to a photo by simply dragging it into your chat. iChat allows you to participate in audio conferences with up to 10 participants. Only for Macintosh.
http://www.apple.com/ichat/

• Cross-platform: Mac


• Web-based access: NO


• Multi-network: YES


• VoIP: YES


• Video: YES


• PSTN: NO


• SMS Enabled: NO


• File sending: YES


• History (text chat recording): NO


• RSS Support: NO


• Open-source/Proprietary: P


• URL/download: http://www.apple.com/ichat/
  


• Cost: Free with Mac OS X

Our reviews:

The New iChat Real-Time Collaboration Features
August 10, 2006

How To Resolve Firewall And NAT Problems With iChat AV
March 5, 2005

Qnext

Qnext is a Java-based P2P client that provides instant messaging, audio chat, video conferencing, music streaming, file transfer and file sharing. It can interact with existing instant messaging networks such as Windows Live Messenger, AIM, Yahoo Messenger and ICQ or used privately. This universal instant messenger keeps you connected to all popular IM's, you can also talk online anywhere around the world for free, host a live video conference or transfer files of any size with complete security. Free download.
http://www.qnext.com/

• Cross-platform: Win, Mac, Linux
  
• Web-based access: NO


• Multi-network: YES


• VoIP: YES


• Video: YES


• PSTN: NO


• SMS Enabled: NO


• File sending: YES


• History (text chat recording): YES


• RSS Support: NO


• Open-source/Proprietary: P


• URL/download: http://www.qnext.com/
  


• Cost: Free

Trillian

Trillian is a fully featured, stand-alone, skinnable chat client that supports AIM, ICQ, Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, and IRC. It provides capabilities not possible with original network clients, while supporting standard features such as audio chat, file transfers, group chats, chat rooms, buddy icons, multiple simultaneous connections to the same network, server-side contact importing, typing notification, direct connection (AIM), proxy support, encrypted messaging (AIM/ICQ), SMS support, and privacy settings. There are a free basic version and a pro version. Free download.
http://www.ceruleanstudios.com/

• Cross-platform: Win


• Web-based access: NO


• Multi-network: YES


• VoIP: YES


• Video: YES


• PSTN: NO


• SMS Enabled: NO


• File sending: YES


• History (text chat recording): YES


• RSS Support: NO


• Open-source/Proprietary: P


• URL/download: http://www.ceruleanstudios.com/
  


• Cost: Free / $25 Pro Version

Our review:

Instant Messaging Graduates To Full Real-Time Collaboration: Trillian 3 Shows The Way
November 17, 2004

Gaim

Gaim is an instant messaging client for Linux, BSD, MacOS X, and Windows. It is compatible with AIM, ICQ, Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, IRC, Jabber, Gadu-Gadu, SILC, Novell GroupWise Messenger, Lotus Sametime, and Zephyr networks. Gaim users can log in to multiple accounts on multiple IM networks simultaneously. Gaim supports many features of the various networks, such as file transfer, away messages, and typing notification. It also goes beyond that and provides many unique features. A few popular features are Buddy Pounces, which give the ability to notify you, send a message, play a sound, or run a program when a specific buddy goes away, signs online, or returns from idle; and plugins, consisting of text replacement, a buddy ticker, extended message notification, iconify on away, spell checking, tabbed conversations, and more. Free download.
http://gaim.sourceforge.net/

• Cross-platform: Win, Linux


• Web-based access: NO


• Multi-network: YES


• VoIP: NO


• Video: NO


• PSTN: NO


• SMS Enabled: YES


• File sending: YES


• History (text chat recording): NO


• RSS Support: NO


• Open-source/Proprietary: P


• URL/download: http://gaim.sourceforge.net/
  


• Cost: Free

Ineen

Ineen is free to download and allows you to make free pc calls and supports video conferencing (maximum four participants) and audio conferencing (up to 10 people). You can transfer calls to other Ineen users and also record them. Ineen works on Windows and Mac. Free download.
http://www.ineen.com

• Cross-platform: Win, Mac, Pocket PC


• Web-based access: NO


• Multi-network: NO


• VoIP: YES


• Video: YES


• PSTN: NO


• SMS Enabled: NO


• File sending: NO


• History (text chat recording): NO


• RSS Support: NO


• Open-source/Proprietary: P


• URL/download: http://www.ineen.com/
  


• Cost: Free

Our review:

Cross-Platform, Videoconferencing-Enabled, Standards-Compliant: The New Skype Is Called Ineen
April 2, 2005

Jabber

Jabber is an open, secure, ad-free alternative to consumer IM services like AIM, ICQ, Windows Live Messenger, and Yahoo, conceived for Linux users. You can use Jabber to talk with other people who use Jabber and participate in Jabber chat rooms. You can also chat with users of some other IM services. Jabber developers have created software for gateways to AOL Instant Messenger, ICQ, Windows Live Messenger, and Yahoo! Messenger. Depending on which Jabber client you use, you can also transfer files, receive headlines, and so on. The Jabber network is server-based (i.e. clients do not talk directly to one another) but decentralized; there is no central authoritative server, as there is with services such as AOL Instant Messenger or Windows Live Messenger. Free to use.
http://www.jabber.org/

• Cross-platform: Win, Mac, Linux


• Web-based access: NO


• Multi-network: YES


• VoIP: YES


• Video: NO


• PSTN: NO


• SMS Enabled: NO


• File sending: YES


• History (text chat recording): YES


• RSS Support: NO


• Open-source/Proprietary: O


• URL/download: http://www.jabber.org/
  


• Cost: Free

Jabbin

Jabbin is an open source Jabber client program that allows free PC to PC calls using the VoIP system over the Jabber network. Jabbin also provides instant messaging functions. You can configure Jabbin to connect to the Google Talk service. Jabbin id currently available for Windows and Linux (Mac version is in development). Free download.
http://ww.jabbin.com

• Cross-platform: Win, Mac, Linux


• Web-based access: NO


• Multi-network: YES


• VoIP: YES


• Video: NO


• PSTN: NO


• SMS Enabled: NO


• File sending: YES


• History (text chat recording): YES


• RSS Support: NO


• Open-source/Proprietary: O


• URL/download: http://www.jabbin.com/int/
  


• Cost: Free

Meebo

Meebo is a cool cross-platform, multi-protocol, Ajax-based IM and presence awareness aggregator. The one-page application allows anyone on any computer platform to access and log in to Yahoo Messenger, Windows Live Messenger, AOL IM and ICQ from one unique interface. Similar to desktop applications like Trillian and Gaim, Meebo provides a single buddy list that is automatically populated upon signing into the meebo web site. Free to use.
http://www.meebo.com

• Cross-platform: Web Based
  
• Web-based access: YES


• Multi-network: YES


• VoIP: NO


• Video: NO


• PSTN: NO


• SMS Enabled: NO


• File sending: NO


• History (text chat recording): NO


• RSS Support: NO


• Open-source/Proprietary: P


• URL/download: http://www.meebo.com/
  


• Cost: Free

Our review:

Access All Major Instant Messengers From One Unique Web-Based Interface: Meebo
May 25, 2006

KoolIM

KoolIM is a web-based IM service that aggregates multiple messengers on one page - AIM, Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, Google Talk, ICQ and Jabber. Registered users can take advantage of managing their accounts and more.
http://www.koolim.com

• Cross-platform: Web Based


• Web-based access: YES


• Multi-network: YES


• VoIP: NO


• Video: NO


• PSTN: NO


• SMS Enabled: NO


• File sending: NO


• History (text chat recording): NO


• RSS Support: NO


• Open-source/Proprietary: P


• URL/download: http://www.koolim.com/
  


• Cost: Free

AIM Triton

AIM Triton is an instant messanger that allows you to text message your buddies and also receive messages on your phone when you are offline. With AIM you can also perform PC to PC calls and start video chats. You can also try AIM Triton, another version of this IM that also enables you to call landline and mobile phones and get your own free local phone number with unlimited incoming calls. Free download.
http://www.aim.com

• Cross-platform: Win, Mac, Linux


• Web-based access: YES


• Multi-network: NO


• VoIP: YES


• Video: YES


• PSTN: YES


• SMS Enabled: YES


• File sending: NO


• History (text chat recording): YES


• RSS Support: NO


• Open-source/Proprietary: P


• URL/download: http://www.aim.com/
  


• Cost: Free

Imvite

Imvite lets you chat with all your contacts from Yahoo Messenger, Windows Live Messenger, AIM and ICQ. It allows you to make free video and worldwide PC to PC calls, read news via RSS and also to watch multiple TV channels at the same time. Free download.
http://www.imvite.com/

• Cross-platform: Win


• Web-based access: NO


• Multi-network: YES


• VoIP: YES


• Video: YES


• PSTN: NO


• SMS Enabled: NO


• File sending: YES


• History (text chat recording): YES


• RSS Support: YES


• Open-source/Proprietary: P


• URL/download: http://www.imvite.com/
  


• Cost: Free

WebMessenger

WebMessenger Mobile Platform (WMP) is a software that provides mobile data communications and instant messaging. WMP's Real Time Messaging feature supports corporate instant messaging systems including a href=>IBM Lotus IM, Jabber Inc. XCP Enterprise Server, Microsoft Live Communications Server and Exchange IM. WMP also supports public instant messaging networks including MSN, Yahoo!, AOL and ICQ. WMP is available in a Windows version for enterprises and a Sun Solaris version for wireless carriers and ISPs. Also available is WebMessenger Mobile for Skype a client that lets you take Skype on the road. WebMessenger Mobile for Skype client requires download and it is free. Mobile Instant Messenger comes at $5.95 per month.
http://www.webmessenger.com/

• Cross-platform: Win, Palm OS, Pocket PC


• Web-based access: NO


• Multi-network: YES


• VoIP: YES


• Video: NO


• PSTN: YES


• SMS Enabled: NO


• File sending: NO


• History (text chat recording): YES


• RSS Support: NO


• Open-source/Proprietary: P


• URL/download: http://www.webmessenger.com/
  


• Cost: $5.95 per month

Miranda IM

Miranda IM is a multi protocol instant messenger client for Windows. Miranda IM uses very little memory and is extremely fast. Only the most basic features are built in, but there are currently more than 350 free plugins available for download that allows users to extend the functionality of Miranda IM. Additionally, this IM doesn’t require installation.
http://www.miranda-im.org

• Cross-platform: Win
  
• Web-based access: NO
  
• Multi-network: YES


• VoIP: NO


• Video: NO


• PSTN: NO


• SMS Enabled: NO


• File sending: NO


• History (text chat recording): YES


• RSS Support: NO


• Open-source/Proprietary: P


• URL/download: http://www.miranda-im.org/download


• Cost: Free

Usage of Instant Messengers

Here is the chart displaying which are the most popular instant messengers in the world and how many people use them (source: Wikipedia)

• AIM: 53 million active users (Nielsen//NetRatings, August 2005), 195 million total (January 2003).


• Windows Live Messenger: 29 million active (Nielsen//NetRatings, August 2005), 155 million total (April 2005).


• Yahoo! Messenger: 21 million active (September 2005).
  
• ICQ: 20 million active world wide (source), 400 million total.


• QQ: 20 million peak simultaneously on-line users, 221 million active users (source).


• Skype: 100 million total (April 2006).


• Jabber: 13.5 million enterprise users (Osterman Research August 2005), this does not count users via ISPs and other service providers (estimated to be more than 7.5 million, for a total of at least 21 million)(source).


• Sametime: 15 million enterprise users.


• Gadu-Gadu: 5.6 million total (June 2006).


• MXit: 1.5 million (mostly in South Africa and about 150,000 international) (source: IOL, 4 September 2006)


• ZX2C4 Instant Messenger: A start-up instant messaging product with a moderately small public user base, but has many users on private networks in small businesses. (source)

Instant Messengers comparison chart

Instant Messaging Newsradar

Here you can find all the news about the world of Instant Messaging updated in real-time.

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This information has been researched and collected by Robin Good in conjunction and support of the LANCELOT Language Research Project funded by the European Commission under the LEONARDO DA VINCI, Language Competence II programme.