Microsoft and Yahoo may merge IM

Microsoft and Yahoo, holders of 44% of IM (instant messaging) traffic globally, will effectively merge their services.

Although neither company would confirm the story to the Wall Street Journal, reports suggest that the services will work together without the use of a third-party client, like Trillian.

Both Microsoft and Yahoo have pledged moves towards interoperability for some years, but thus far it hasn’t happened. IM is largely seen as a vehicle for voice communications, but with the rapid drive of VoIP the landscape is changing.

[From The Register]

Update:BetaNews reports, “Microsoft is … reported to be in talks with Time Warner, and a deal to open the door between MSN Messenger and AIM has been rumored. However, nothing concrete has come from the discussions thus far.”