Just one week after AT&T agreed to acquire IBM's Global Network business for US$5 billion in cash, the company announced it will launch I M Here, an instant messaging service that will allow AT&T Worldnet users to chat and game in real-time.
Set to debut Wednesday, the I M Here service is derived from Tribal Voice’s PowWow product. The instant messages pop up on computer screens as sticky notes. Internet users who do not belong to AT&T’s (T) WorldNet service will be able to use the instant messaging feature with WorldNet users by downloading the software from AT&T.
Instant messaging has become a focus of online service providers in search of innovative software features that draw more users. Messaging is now widely available on the Web, and America Online (AOL) in June added instant messaging by acquiring Mirabilis Ltd. and its ICQ instant messaging service.
AT&T's I M Here service will employ a "buddy list" that allows users to keep in contact with each other. It will also add gaming capabilities, allowing members to play multi-user games such as checkers, dominoes, or chess in real-time.
