Meryl's Notes Blog

David Strom looks at the world of IM and interoperability. I use Trillian because I can’t stand having multiple programs and windows open from the different IM applications. Trillian puts it all in one nice package. The only complain I have with Trillian is that when I put an away message up, it has all conversations opening in a new Away box instead of in my main one. Haven’t figured out a way around this.

Anyway, David is continuously adding to the interoperability matrix that looks at applications and what platforms they cover, whether or not they have the following features: file transfer, A/V multi-party conferencing, audio / chat recording, and voice mail.

Another matrix looks at whether or not an application can work with another application. For example, I can connect with AIM, MSN (Windows) messenger, IRC, and Yahoo! with Trillian.

The focus is mainly on using audio and voice features rather than just text-based chatting, so my requirements are minimal. But those who like using Skype and Google Talk will find the info valuable.

Like I can choose any email application to receive any email no matter what you’re using, I’m sure the same will happen with IM apps.

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