AIM Online Presence Rolls Out

[Jeff]

America Online has rolled out a set of tools that allows bloggers and website owners to add online presence to their website. The new AIM Presence website guides you through the process and gives you the HTML to insert on your website.

The code provides a icon indicator that shows website visitors if you are currently signed on to AIM. Status is represented by one of six icons:

• Online
• Offline
• Idle
• Away
• 1-way Mobile
• 2-way Mobile

The registration process asks for your AIM screen name and an email address, and generates code that looks like this:

PHP Code:

<a href="aim:GoIM?screenname=screen_name">
<img  src="http://api.oscar.aol.com/SOA/key=Universal_Key/presence/screen_name" border="0"/> </a> 


The universal key expires in January 2006, and according to their website, a new key will be sent to the email address provided.

In conjunction with the rollout of this service, AOL also announced agreements with Facebook, an online directory for college and high school students; LinkedIn, a social network site for business professionals; and blogging powerhouse Six Apart, who has added online awareness to their TypePad and LiveJournal communities. Each of these websites will allow members to enable AIM online presence awareness to other people who view their profile.

Unfortunately, the AIM Online Presence terms of service limit the system to non-commercial applications. It's not clear whether this includes adding presence to online forums such as BigBlueBall, for example. To quote the FAQ: "At this time, AIM Presence is for noncommercial use. Please contact AIMPresenceInfo@aol.com if you're interested in commercial or distribution opportunities."