AIM is known as AOL Instant Messenger where it is a unique service that is all about helping people keep in touch with others whether it may be sending IMs, sending photos, or doing a voice chat. The service allows person-to-person communication all around the world in real time while letting people know what you are doing with status updates. AOL Instant Messenger was created in May of 1997 and is an advertisement-supported proprietary instant messaging and presence computer program. It is a free downloadable service for consumers who have access to a computer and are register with the company.
The process that people have to go through in order to use the service is to first download the software and fill out an information form that allows a user to get their own screen name and password to use the service. Once a user has their screen name or password, they are able to start using the service right away but just need to acquire other buddies screen names to being talking to them.
AIM also has other services that individuals are able to use other than their traditional service. AIM offers AIM Express, AIM Pro, AIM for MAC, AIM for Linux, AIM mobile, and the Apple iChat.
AIM Express software is for people who are unable to download the software or d
o not have their own personal computer. The program runs in a pop-up browser window that allows people who are unwilling or unable to install a stand alone application. It has the similar features to the downloadable version, but does not offer advanced features like file transfer, audio chat, video conferencing, or Buddy Info.
AIM pro is for the professional business user that integrates Microsoft Outlook while easily showing presentations and web conferencing. AIM for Mac and AIM for Linux were developed specifically for Macintosh users and Linux users. They have the same capabilities as the other AIM programs and now offer their service in Spanish.
AIM mobile allows people to get instant messages directly to their phone. A person at their computer will type in an IM to the person by using their mobile phone number and the other person will receive an IM on their cell phone. The cell phone user is then able to communicate to a person on the computer in the same manner as they would using the traditional IMing service. This is an easy way for keeping in contact with people, but not having to be in front of a computer screen.
One of the newer AIM developments was the Apple iChat software was released and was the first AIM compatible program that allowed for audio and video conferencing using the AIM protocol. This is a unique feature that Mac user can use on their computers to talk to people across the world.
The company is constantly updating their service while offering new features, but America Online is still only offering free downloads of instant messenger. Some may think that offering a free service to consumers would affect profits and revenues, but AIM has found a way to make a profit.
In order to cash in on the personalization of AIM, AOL has introduced a year long and monthly subscription options to personalize your buddy list. They offer 7,000 buddy wallpapers, buddy sounds, smiley’s, and 2-D buddy icons that run from $1.95 to $9.95 and have “SuperBuddy” icons that are animated that are $1.95 per icon or $4.95 for a pack of three. This is a prime example of a cross-subsidies approach.
A cross-subsidies approach corresponds to free services that entice you to pay for something else. Aim does an efficient job in their technique as they allow consumers to download their product, but to personalize and make your buddy list more unique the company makes individuals pay for other products. Since AIM has over 100 million users they are able to generate a profit from their expressions technique.
The company also generates revenue from advertisements. By having people to display their advertisements in association with AIM they are able to generate a profit. This is known as the advertising model which allows for free content to be sponsored by advertisers.
Although this sounds like a great service to have because it is free and people can talk to other people in differe
nt parts of the country with each successful invention comes along with problems. Some problems that AIM has with its unique capabilities is that people can get viruses from other people that they are talking to. It also has security weaknesses that have enabled exploits to be created that use third-party software to perform malicious acts on users' computers. Some of these acts are as little as being kicked off of the Aim service or potentially dangerous acts such as harvesting IP addresses and sending viruses over a direct connection.
However, I would recommend this service even though it has its problems. It is a great way to get in contact with people all over the world and will save you money on phone calls. People are also able to see status updates of what individuals are doing and makes it easier for people to talk to others if they do not prefer to talk on the phone or in person. Individuals can make plans and work on project while also sending pictures or other files to people without ever having to pick up a phone and make a call or going to see a person. This free service has been very popular with computer use and will only continue to develop and get better with time making it a more effective and efficient process of getting in contact with people.
AIM company website: http://dashboard.aim.com/aim
AIM Express website: http://www.aim.com/aimexpress.adp
