IM to breed new class of applications?

Boston, 23 May 2000 - Instead, developers said that the presence, status and location information provided by the IM application can be the underpinnings for future applications.

Instant messaging can provide the framework for programs that, for instance, forward phone messages to various devices, depending on where a person is and what they are doing, said Jeff Pulver, head of Pulver.com, which is sponsoring the Instant Messaging 2000 show.

It could also allow you to read an online document and instantly message the author, or provide location awareness for applications written for car travelers.

Some companies are working on applications that help track Alzheimer's patients, he said. Other applications could use IM-equipped cell phones to help parents track down their kids.

"If you can identify presence, and deal with the privacy aspects, you can develop some very cool applications," he said. "For example, say I'm driving in my car, and my car system can (access restaurant preferences). It could suggest Italian restaurants to me and provide me with directions."

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