New Suite Binds Next-Gen AOL Software

America Online's "Copland" initiative to bring together the company's applications into a single package has been given a name: AOL Suite. Integrating AOL Explorer, Mail and AIM Triton, AOL Suite will serve as the company's next-generation software for subscribers, and could eventually replace AOL's aging client.

Copland was the code-name for AOL's Open Client Platform, which was designed to create a unified code base for AOL applications. The idea was to build software that is more in tune with current consumer behavior -- from broadband to multi-tasking -- while moving away from an all-in-one client experience.

Now, AOL Suite, which entered beta testing this week, bares the fruits of that strategy. Because each application is designed around the same core interface, AOL can keep memory usage low and integration high. At the same time, the suite gives AOL subscribers the ability to launch an application only when it is needed.

At the heart of AOL Suite lies a navigation bar that resides on the side of the screen to launch applications and provide instant access to AOL services such as travel and keywords. Pop-out menus, not currently functional in Beta 1, will offer quick access to incoming instant messages or e-mails.

For now, the core components of the suite are: AOL Mail, Triton (the next-generation AIM client) and AOL Explorer, the company's Internet Explorer based Web browser that adds features such as tabbed browsing and desktop search.

Other applications are expected to be integrated in future betas, including a Safety and Security Center and AOL Pictures photo application.

Integration brings a number of advantages beyond a central navbar, AOL says. Quick Notes, a feature of Triton, can be called from any application to send a message to a buddy using a variety of different methods. In addition, AOL Suite uses a single authentication scheme to avoid making the user sign into AOL numerous times.

AOL Suite is actually the culmination of a number of different efforts within AOL to revamp its software for the emergence of broadband. AOL Mail and Explorer originally began as Communicator, a project started after the lackluster debut of Netscape 6.

A beta test for "Fanfare," which was slated to replace AOL Communicator, deployed the underpinnings of Copland and merged AOL Media Player, Spyware Protection and AOL Calendar into the Communicator code base. Fanfare was eventually scrapped, but AOL took what it learned during the test and the result was AOL Suite.

AOL isn't yet saying whether AOL Suite will become the primary interface for subscribers, but it has left the door open for such a move. Unlike previous beta tests, the software is designed for everyone - not just power users. And with pressure to stem the growing tide of subscriber losses, AOL is seeking new ways to reach the computer literate.

However, not even AOL denies that dial-up is quickly being relegated to the history books and AOL Suite provides a way for the company to keep users in the family even after they leave the service. If members become accustomed to AOL's software lineup, they are more likely to keep using those applications even after they have transitioned to broadband.

For the time being, AOL Suite remains available only to members. Beta 1 runs on Windows XP, but Windows 2000 support will be added as testing progresses. More information is available on beta.aol.com.