SEATTLE - Microsoft Corp. and Yahoo Inc. (Nasdaq:YHOO - news) have agreed to make their two instant-messaging programs work together, a partnership that could threaten market leader America Online, people familiar with the situation said.
The deal was expected to be announced early Wednesday, these people told The Associated Press. One of them works closely with Microsoft. The other was briefed on the deal. Both spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to disclose details.
A Yahoo-Microsoft partnership, allowing users of the competing services to exchange messages seamlessly, would give the two companies nearly as many users combined as AOL has in total.
Instant-messaging services are becoming increasingly vital, not just as social lifelines for young people but also in the business world. Their providers are adding video chatting and Internet telephone functions, and Google Inc. entered the arena in September with a service of its own that includes voice chat.
SOURCE:
Associated Press
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All I know is I wish I had my money in Yahoo! stocks 10 years ago... :(
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