AOL Shuts Down Trillian Users
Friday, February 1, 2002 by T-Man | Discussion: WinCustomize News
AOL shuts out users in battle over IM
By Lisa M. Bowman
Special to ZDNet News
January 30, 2002, 5:20 PM PT
People using the popular Trillian software may lose access to part of AOL Time Warner's instant messaging system.
Firing another salvo in the battle over instant messaging, America Online is blocking people using the Trillian interface from linking to its AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) system.
Trillian, which allows people to access multiple instant messaging programs from one screen, has attracted nearly a million people who are hoping to streamline their use of incompatible systems, including AOL's AIM and ICQ, Yahoo's Messenger and Microsoft's MSN Messenger.
But in the past 24 hours, an elaborate game of cat and mouse has developed between AOL and Trillian creator Cerulean Studios--as the start-up has repeatedly released new software designed to get around the block, prompting AOL to rush in and stop people from using it.
Meanwhile, Trillian fans are snared in cross fire.
"AOL is being selfish," Trillian user Mike Cicciarelli said in an instant messaging exchange with News.com.
Trillian user Chris Hilbert said he's downloaded new software several times in the past day in an attempt to re-establish access with AIM. Hilbert said he uses Trillian because it's simple.
"I like that there are no ads, less bloat," said Hilbert, an Indiana University student and creator of the FileFlash Web site. "I don't have to have four different clients open."
But AOL said it's a matter of security and is framing the conflict as yet another chapter in the instant messaging wars. In recent years, AOL has clashed with other makers of IM software, including Microsoft and AT&T. Both companies tried to create systems that let people correspond with AIM users--only to have them blocked.
"It has long been our very public policy that when a service unleashes software that hacks into our system, and endangers the security of our system, we stop it," AOL spokeswoman Kathy McKiernan said.
McKiernan said that Trillian does not have a business relationship with AOL. "To the extent that consumers think they do, they were misled," McKiernan said.
Meanwhile, the creators of Trillian plan to keep up the tit-for-tat efforts. Since AOL first started blocking the software Tuesday, they have released one workaround and at least two more full downloads of Trillian.
Michael Gartenberg, a research director at Jupiter Media Metrix, called AOL's practice "predatory," but he said at least the media behemoth is consistent in blocking both large and small companies from accessing its system.
"There are no technical reasons they can't open up IM, but there are a lot of business reasons not to," Gartenberg said. "They're not going to unless they're forced to."
News.com's Evan Hansen contributed to this report.
http://zdnet.com.com/2100-11-826707.html
http://www.zdnet.com/anchordesk/stories/story/0,10738,2844439,00.html
By Lisa M. Bowman
Special to ZDNet News
January 30, 2002, 5:20 PM PT
People using the popular Trillian software may lose access to part of AOL Time Warner's instant messaging system.
Firing another salvo in the battle over instant messaging, America Online is blocking people using the Trillian interface from linking to its AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) system.
Trillian, which allows people to access multiple instant messaging programs from one screen, has attracted nearly a million people who are hoping to streamline their use of incompatible systems, including AOL's AIM and ICQ, Yahoo's Messenger and Microsoft's MSN Messenger.
But in the past 24 hours, an elaborate game of cat and mouse has developed between AOL and Trillian creator Cerulean Studios--as the start-up has repeatedly released new software designed to get around the block, prompting AOL to rush in and stop people from using it.
Meanwhile, Trillian fans are snared in cross fire.
"AOL is being selfish," Trillian user Mike Cicciarelli said in an instant messaging exchange with News.com.
Trillian user Chris Hilbert said he's downloaded new software several times in the past day in an attempt to re-establish access with AIM. Hilbert said he uses Trillian because it's simple.
"I like that there are no ads, less bloat," said Hilbert, an Indiana University student and creator of the FileFlash Web site. "I don't have to have four different clients open."
But AOL said it's a matter of security and is framing the conflict as yet another chapter in the instant messaging wars. In recent years, AOL has clashed with other makers of IM software, including Microsoft and AT&T. Both companies tried to create systems that let people correspond with AIM users--only to have them blocked.
"It has long been our very public policy that when a service unleashes software that hacks into our system, and endangers the security of our system, we stop it," AOL spokeswoman Kathy McKiernan said.
McKiernan said that Trillian does not have a business relationship with AOL. "To the extent that consumers think they do, they were misled," McKiernan said.
Meanwhile, the creators of Trillian plan to keep up the tit-for-tat efforts. Since AOL first started blocking the software Tuesday, they have released one workaround and at least two more full downloads of Trillian.
Michael Gartenberg, a research director at Jupiter Media Metrix, called AOL's practice "predatory," but he said at least the media behemoth is consistent in blocking both large and small companies from accessing its system.
"There are no technical reasons they can't open up IM, but there are a lot of business reasons not to," Gartenberg said. "They're not going to unless they're forced to."
News.com's Evan Hansen contributed to this report.
http://zdnet.com.com/2100-11-826707.html
http://www.zdnet.com/anchordesk/stories/story/0,10738,2844439,00.html
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RedDragon28023
Reply #42 Monday, February 4, 2002 6:42 PM
Reply #42 Monday, February 4, 2002 6:42 PM
I don't get what this has to do with the AOL and Trillian problem
Elvetree
Reply #43 Monday, February 4, 2002 10:21 PM
Reply #43 Monday, February 4, 2002 10:21 PM
What does this have to do with the AOL and Trillian?
1.) Lets get people to just use AIM, it's free at least on there web site, with no hidden "should I say, ADWare".
2.)Trillian brings all kinds of people together, nor for profit, but for ease of use. But the "Corp Giant", wants to block it from other people using its network, when it made AIM to do just that. And even made it for users who are not AOL users to use.
Everyone knows that the more power they get, the more they control until they have it all. Microsoft is the prime Leader in trying to do it all.
What did they do on XP, add their own messenger....Yeah for Microsoft...
I think people have forgotten what the internet was about, sharing information, its a profiterring giant now.
Linux and others are trying to do "Open Source" so corporations don't have control. I think the same has to do with communicating messengers.
Let the Giants win no more...
1.) Lets get people to just use AIM, it's free at least on there web site, with no hidden "should I say, ADWare".
2.)Trillian brings all kinds of people together, nor for profit, but for ease of use. But the "Corp Giant", wants to block it from other people using its network, when it made AIM to do just that. And even made it for users who are not AOL users to use.
Everyone knows that the more power they get, the more they control until they have it all. Microsoft is the prime Leader in trying to do it all.
What did they do on XP, add their own messenger....Yeah for Microsoft...
I think people have forgotten what the internet was about, sharing information, its a profiterring giant now.
Linux and others are trying to do "Open Source" so corporations don't have control. I think the same has to do with communicating messengers.
Let the Giants win no more...
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Reply #41 Monday, February 4, 2002 5:15 PM
Its called monopoly or in more better way to say it, communism. Yes it may be for now, no big deal. How about a few years from now. When you are controlled how you use your computer, what you can use or not use.
Lets put this in a more common sense. How would you like it, if the government said, well in each household we are going to set a appointee. You will have to do everything he says. how to raise your kids, what you can listen too, what lamp you should buy, what food you should eat.
These corp giants rule because people are ignorant and want to stay ignorant.
until people wake up and start looking for alternative web isp's and making open technology. Its just another joe, caught in the net of control