IP: AOL blocks instant messaging start-up

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

This a the next step in a long battle AOL has been fighting to keep IM from 
being inter operable djf

http://news.com.com/2100-1023-826625.html

auto-abstract

People using the popular Trillian software may lose access to part of AOL 
Time Warner's instant messaging system.

Firing another salvo in the battle over instant messaging, America Online 
is blocking people using the Trillian interface from linking to its AOL 
Instant Messenger (AIM) system.

Trillian, which allows people to access multiple instant messaging programs 
from one screen, has attracted nearly a million people who are hoping to 
streamline their use of incompatible systems, including AOL's AIM and ICQ, 
Yahoo's Messenger and Microsoft's MSN Messenger.

But in the past 24 hours, an elaborate game of cat and mouse has developed 
between AOL and Trillian creator Cerulean Studios--as the start-up has 
repeatedly released new software designed to get around the block, 
prompting AOL to rush in and stop people from using it.

Trillian user Chris Hilbert said he's downloaded new software several times 
in the past day in an attempt to re-establish access with AIM.

"It has long been our very public policy that when a service unleashes 
software that hacks into our system, and endangers the security of our 
system, we stop it," AOL spokeswoman Kathy McKiernan said.

Since AOL first started blocking the software Tuesday, they have released 
one workaround and at least two more full downloads of Trillian.

Michael Gartenberg, a research director at Jupiter Media Metrix, called 
AOL's practice "predatory," but he said at least the media behemoth is 
consistent in blocking both large and small companies from accessing its 
system.

"There are no technical reasons they can't open up IM, but there are a lot 
of business reasons not to," Gartenberg said.

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