IBM connects AOL, Yahoo IM users to collaboration software

Orlando (FL) - IBM today announced a new version of its collaboration software Sametime, which connects its users the Instant Messaging platforms of AOL and Yahoo. In the future, IBM plans to also make Google's Talk software accessible.

According to the manufacturer, Sametime 7.5 includes a total of 100 new features, such as extended platform support that includes a new web conferencing interface, integration of IBM's Workplace software and a SIP (session initiation protocol) based communications gateway with VoIP capabilities. IBM also plans to add support for Apple's Mac OS X version 10.4 "Tiger" and Linux to Sametime.

At the heart of the announcement, however, is a redesigned Instant Messenger interface that allows Sametime users to connect with users of Yahoo's Instant Messenger and AOL's AIM and ICQ as well as Apple' iChat messaging client. The company also said that it intends to enable a "standards-based interoperability" between the IBM Lotus Sametime enterprise IM community and the Google Talk public IM network.

IBM said that Sametime 7.5 will be available in mid-2006. Pricing has not been announced.