Found this today in www.smh.com.au

Google gets in on instant messaging
By Staff reporter
August 24, 2005 - 11:09AM

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Google has launched an instant messaging service which can be used by anyone with a Gmail address and IM software compatible with Jabber.

Jabber is a set of streaming XML protocols and technologies that enable any two entities on the internet to exchange messages, presence, and other structured information in close-to real time.

Google has not made a formal announcement, but the geek news site Slashdot carried a post detailing how to connect to Google Talk.

The Los Angeles Times reported Google would launch the service this week, to compete with Microsoft, Yahoo! and America Online.

AFP adds: Google, the leader in internet search, has been trying to broaden its offerings and attract users to its sites to gain more from its online advertising efforts.

On Monday, Google announced a new program giving users customised web pages in a desktop window, similar to offerings from Yahoo! and Microsoft.

As a gmail user I reckon this is great.

Cheers
IainF

ps see also http://www.google.com/talk/