Instant Messaging :: Internet Communication Web

Instant Messaging Instant messaging (IM) is the latest trend in communication, which allows two or more persons to communicate by typing in text form and the message being received in real time. This form of messaging, compared to e-mail, allows for quick and easy responses to satisfy ones need for instant and constant communication. We will discuss the history of instant messaging; explore how it works and what is needed to enable this application. We will also discuss companies involved, regulatory issues, future trends in this area and the global implications of this relatively new form of communication. In the 1970's early forms of messaging were implemented on private networks, and were used on the PLATO and DEC PDP-11 systems referred to as the "talk" program. Messaging was later incorporated into UNIX system and used by academics and engineers throughout the 1980's and early 1990's. In 1987 MIT created the first instant messaging tool called the Zephyr. In 1996 the company called Mirablis introduced ICQ, a free instant messaging tool in which anyone could use. America On Line (AOL) which had instant messaging as fee service became threatened by the number of users of ICQ and purchased the company. With the explosion of growth from ICQ, it led to new companies seeking to build upon this new form of communication.