Time Warner's
On Monday, I reported on AOL's move to let developers dig deeper into its popular instant messaging platform, AIM. According to AOL, its IM platforms, including AIM and ICQ, encompass 43 million users.
Though AOL's still top-of-the-heap in instant messaging, I was interested to find out how use of its IM programs stacked up on a year-over-year basis. I contacted comScore, the research firm that tracks such data. As it turns out, comScore's data for May 2006 shows a 15% decrease in unique visitors from a year ago (for all of AOL's instant messaging programs combined).
It's no laughing matter, then, to consider that IM rivals are taking a bite out of AOL. The data shows that Yahoo!
As I wrote yesterday, comScore's recent research also shows that while AIM may be top dog in U.S. chat, Microsoft's
Which brings us to recent buzz that Britain's BSkyB
It's no surprise that Time Warner's still got issues with AOL. Although AOL has been making many smart attempts to regain relevance in the Internet's hottest areas, its increasing competition means the company has much more to do.
For related Foolish chat, see the following stories:
- Yesterday, AIM opened its arms to developers.
- A couple months ago, Icahn gave Time Warner a splitting headache.
- Did AOL betray Google?
- Huge returns for lazy investors.
Time Warner is a Motley Fool Stock Advisor recommendation. To find out what other stocks David and Tom Gardner have recommended since April 2002, click here for a 30-day free trial.
Alyce Lomax does not own shares of any of the companies mentioned.