AOL adopts open stance in IM row

NEWS AOL has made conciliatory moves in its instant messaging (IM) battle by submitting a standards proposal for IM software to the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). IM rivals like Microsoft, Odigo and Tribal Voice have been fighting to be allowed access to AOL's 90 million-strong IM user base, but the company has staunchly opposed any competitors linking into its proprietary software. Earlier this week, US anti-trust officials said they intend to investigate AOL's IM business in relation to the company's proposed merger with Time Warner. AOL's pre-emptive strike to the IETF would still give the company a year before any standard is agreed. Rivals Odigo and Tribal Voice have responded that the submission may just be a stalling tactic to see AOL through the merger clearance.