AOL Instant Messenger definitely leads the instant messaging namespace by a wide margin. I now just about "require" this for all of my vendors and colleagues, as it is such a critical component of communications these days. If you are going to use AIM, I recommend you download it from the AIM Hack website so you can avoid all the extra junk that AIM tries to install on your PC.

For strategic commentary about AIM, see the billo article about why AIM is one of the most valuable assets owned by AOL. ¶10:01 AM; digg