| Individuals associated with both Microsoft and Yahoo have announced that they have agreed to make their instant messaging systems work in tandem, to work together. The partnership could threaten the market leader, America Online. People close to the deal have announced that it would be forthcoming. They did speak on the condition of anonymity because they have not, as of yet, been authorized to disclose details by the companies involved. The combined operation would give the two companies nearly as many users as AOL has at the present time. Instant messaging services have become increasingly important as social lifelines for young people. In addition, instant messaging has also become increasingly important in the business world at large. In addition to basic instant messaging, many providers are also adding video chatting and Internet telephone functions to their range of services. Google entered the market in 2005 with a service of its own that includes voice chat. |
