AOL to launch AIM Pro for corporations

According to CNet, today AOL (this blog's parent company) will launch AIM Pro, a new version of its instant messaging product aimed (no pun intended) at corporate users. AIM Pro will be free for anyone to use and will include all of the standard AIM features, plus integration with Microsoft Outlook's calendar and directory features and WebEx's voice, videoconferencing, and collaboration features. It also lets users use their professional email addresses instead of AIM screen names and has built-in SSL encryption. Later on, AOL plans to offer a premium version of AIM pro that includes "an IT management console, logging and regulatory compliance features." Regarding interoperability with other networks, which may be of particular importance to business users, AOL's VP of business services Brian Curry said, "I think we are slowly making our way there...We don't have anything to announce around that right now."

Tags: aim, aimpro, aol, business, commercial, corporate, enterprise, freeware, im, instantmessaging, premium