Let’s Chat

People who use multiple IM services (AIM, ICQ, MSN, etc.) know the hassles of having to install multiple client applications and running them simultaneously.  Meebo.com has developed a web-based IM product designed to bring all your networks together.  While not as robust as some of the stand-alone clients (for example, new message notifications are not as easy to see,) Meebo does offer some unique and intriguing features.

From Meebo’s website:  “Meebo is a Web-based IM that lets you log into your IM networks from any computer with a browser and Internet connection with no firewall issues. It employs technologies (like AJAX) to make it act more like a desktop application, which dramatically improves usability.”

Additional Meebo products include the MeeboMe widget which allows users to embed IM sessions within their personal website.  Visitors to the publisher’s site can chat live with the site owner.  But it’s Meebo Rooms that has the industry talking, as this product adds live sharing of photos, music, videos and other rich media to the mix.  This is what has captured the attention of media companies like NBC Universal and Capitol Music Group, and has opened the doors for Meebo to bring in a ton of cash through advertising.  Check out this article on Meebo Rooms from Businessweek.com.

A report last week from Nielsen/NetRatings supports Meebo’s popularity.  The report lists Meebo as the fastest growing instant messaging destination in the past 10 months.  Their unique audience increased 354 percent from 434,000 users in August 2006 to nearly 2 million by June 2007.

Any bets on which media giant will buy these guys?