When I logged into Gmail this morning, I saw the following message:

New! Connect directly to your AIM buddies

Now you can add your AIM buddies directly to chat.

Just add their screen-name@aol.com

For more information on how to use this, click here.

 

Looks like Google and AIM are now integrated to a greater level than ever before. Google talk has been able to access AIM since 2007, but the newest developments in Google Talk allow for greater interoperability. New features means that AIM users can add google talk contacts in their contact lists using AOL Instant Messaging without requiring an AIM account, and vice versa.

This technical marvel has been achievable because of Google's commitment to using open standards for messaging services.

This looks like the first stages of an almighty market-share war where Facebook is rolling out FBChat, and Skype, which is one of the biggest players in the field, has recently been bought by Microsoft, is gearing up to become more ubiquitous.