AOL rivals still angry about instant messaging

AOL's rivals have not been appeased by recent moves to open up its instant messaging standards.

AOL has been working with IBM's Lotus division to make the two systems compatible, but this move will not take them any nearer to messaging compatibility in the important consumer instant messaging space.

Yahoo! and Microsoft's MSN also have instant messaging systems, neither of which are compatible with each AOL.

A Yahoo! spokeswoman told Reuters: "Although we're pleased AOL has taken a small step towards interoperability, until they become serious about interoperability with a leading IM service, it won't really have a positive impact on consumers."

In July, AOL told regulators that it was close to reaching a deal with an unnamed partner to develop interoperability standards.

When approving AOL's $106bn purchase of Time Warner in January, regulators told the company it would have to open its instant messaging service to competitors before it would be allowed to offer a video-based version of the service.