Ya know, I only use AOL IM now since it's just too cumbersome to run AIM/ICQ/MSN/Yahoo! all on the same computer and I haven't found a program that interfaces with them all that has been acceptable for everyday use. Now, even though there are options out there, Microsoft is seeking to take those options away. From the article, it appears that all-in-one clients will still be able to connect, but it will be using a different protocol. Whatever works. But if you were Microsoft, and you already have tons of haters in the world (see entry below), would you try and shut out those true tech-heads whom already use an all-in-one client? Just doesn't make sense to me.

URL: InfoWorld: Microsoft to lock down MSN Messenger network: August 19, 2003: By : Networking