Developers began solving this problem in the late 1990s when the first multi-protocol instant messengers were introduced, giving the end user unprecedented access to all their online contacts with one single program.
Today, multi-protocol IMs are among the most popular IM clients and gaining in market share.
The Clients
The following list highlights just some of the best multi-protocol clients, based on our own user testing:- Digsby: Launched in March 2008, Digsby has quickly become a leader in the multi-protocol industry, even garnering four out of six of the first IM Best Awards on About.com. In addition to offering access to AIM, Yahoo! Messenger, Windows Live Messenger, Google Talk and Facebook, this client also offers the ability to check email, update your Twitter account and even access RSS feeds. Download Digsby.
- Miranda IM: Providing an extremely basic IM experience, Miranda IM offers an extremely clean client and takes up the smallest amount of hard drive space. In fact, with very few plug-ins and other frills, the Miranda client can easily be installed on a USB drive for on-the-go access. However, for those who like a few added features, a library of plug-ins are available on the Miranda IM website. Download Miranda IM.
- Pidgin IM: One of the oldest multi-protocol IMs, Pidgin (formerly GAIM) is another clean IM experience offering all the needs of the end user. In addition to access to the major market IMs, Pidgin was also one of the first to offer support for MySpaceIM. Users can also run multiple accounts at once with ease. Download Pidgin.
- Trillian: Another popular multi-protocol IM, Trillian offers simultaneous use of multiple accounts across the most popular IM networks, in addition to all the top features of the single protocols. In addition to file sharing, customized text and skin features, point and click technology and webcam capabilities, this Cerulean Studios release also offers one of the most organized multi-protocol contact lists around; color-coded by client, users can easily find their favorite contacts with little effort. Download Trillian.
