AOL Preps Open Messaging System

America Online has indicated plans to institute a new messaging system allowing users of competing services, such as Microsoft's MSN Messenger, to communicate with AOL members. The near-complete technology is set to begin beta testing later this summer. This decision comes after increased pressure from the FCC to make future generations of the AOL instant messaging service compatible with third-party clients.

AOL plans to begin the testing phase in union with an undisclosed leading technology company in the next month. Two servers will be linked between the businesses, and a series of trials will be run to test the stability and compliance of the new software.

Companies including Microsoft and AT&T have long argued that the online giant is attempting to monopolize the market with its messaging software plans. AOL claims interoperability is not a simple task, stating such technology will force messages to travel over public Internet lines and possibly slow down the service. Crackers and spammers may also have an easier time abusing the open system, the company has warned.