AOL aims to boost IM on mobiles

AOL has kicked off an initiative designed to make it easier for developers to engineer, test and distribute licensed AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) clients for mobile devices.

The AOL Mobile Developer Programme aims to use open standards from the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) to improve instant messaging for mobile users across multiple devices, service providers and networks.

AOL claimed that more than nine million mobile devices already feature an AIM client.

The programme marks the first major commercial deployment of OMA's Wireless Village-based IM Presence Service (IMPS) standard, according to AOL.

LG Electronics, Motorola, Samsung Telecommunications America and Siemens have already backed the initiative, together with mobile instant messaging firm OZ.

"Working closely with the industry's leading manufacturers we are able to bring the familiar AOL and AIM Buddy List feature to today's mobile users, helping them to stay in touch with friends, family and associates everywhere they go," said Doug Gardner, executive director at AOL Mobile, in a statement.

Developers signing up for the programme will receive a Client Certification Kit which includes user interface guidelines, branding elements and functional specifications.

They will also gain access to AOL's Gateway server, which is compliant with the OMA client server protocol IMPS versions 1.1 and 1.2.