AOL Testing Next Generation AIM Client

Triton will also sync up with address book contacts. AOL would not comment on the specifics of its planned synchronization, but has already added presence to Microsoft Outlook through a preliminary release of AIM Sync by Intellisync. In the interim, AOL will provide AIM users with a host-based address book.

Extending beyond just contacts integration, Triton introduces a plug-in architecture for third party developers that AOL says will "add value" for consumers. The plug-ins will be hosted by AOL at a developer's community Web site.

It is no coincidence that AOL is fielding so many betas concurrently. AOL Browser, an Internet Explorer based Web browser; AOL Media Player, a standalone audio and video player; AOL search technologies and AOL's synchronization utilities are all part of what was once a unified communications client called Fanfare.

However, AOL has since opted for a more modular architecture to building software. Many of these applications will integrate with AIM, but AOL has yet to determine how they will be installed. Dropping a much-maligned practice, third party add-ons such as WeatherBug will not be bundled with the new AIM client.

To complement its application development, AOL is striving to attract a broader audience of consumers on the Web by offering up a new search portal, open Web mail, music videos and streaming radio, as well as other services targeted at non-members.

AOL's AIM Today window will showcase content from these sources, with AIM serving as the centerpiece of AOL's open audience strategy.

The Triton beta comes on the heels of the launch of MSN Messenger 7. Microsoft's new IM software pulls more communications options into the client and touts full-screen video, mobile phone connectivity and PC-to-PC audio capabilities.

"I think AOL is feeling a lot more competitive pressure from MSN, Yahoo, and Skype. The advanced audio and video capabilities of these products are attracting a lot of users and changing the scope of IM," said Marcel Nienhuis, a Market Analyst with The Radicati Group. "This release will show AOL's users that it hasn't become complacent and that it will continue to develop cutting edge technology."

Currently, many of the core Triton features that enable users to swap pictures or send and receive files remain unimplemented. AOL has told BetaNews that it will refresh the beta in a two-week cycle, although the timeline for a final release has not yet been determined. Triton will be distributed as a standalone download, but will also be bundled with AOL's upcoming "Copland" suite of client products.

While users await the final Triton bits, AOL is working in parallel to put the finishing touches on a new version of AIM 5.9 that fixes known bugs.

Triton beta build 0.1.12 is available for download via FileForum.