Enterprise instant messaging (IM) firm ProcessOne today launched a new online applications store designed to extend the platform to a broader set of users, and enable companies to customise IM platforms with a range of new apps.

The IMstore initially features ProcessOne's One Team IM client for the iPhone, and its corporate IM gateways.

One Team gives users access to mobile IM services on the iPhone and iPod Touch, while the gateways allow organisations to link corporate IM systems to MSN, AIM, ICQ, Yahoo Messenger, GoogleTalk and Twitter.

As with Apple's popular App Store and RIM's App World, the new store is intended to create an ecosystem, encouraging developers to write compelling applications by providing a platform that allows them to monetise their work.

ProcessOne said it is also hoping to promote the development of open standards IM platforms and applications through the store.

"We want to be sure that, when a user compares IM platforms, they won't just look at basic features in the standard modules, but all the modules in this extension of the platform, either ours or a third party's," said ProcessOne chief executive Mickael Remond.

"It makes the whole platform more attractive, and we aim to sell these modules and build up an ecosystem around our platform."