MS to back Net instant messaging standard proposal

Microsoft and PeopleLink will later today announce RVP, a proposed standard for instant messaging over the Internet that is supported by about 40 other companies.

PeopleLink sells Windows/Macintosh client software that lets users find out when specified other users are online so that they can take part in chat sessions. The service is analogous to a feature in AOL's proprietary service that has proven highly popular.

PeopleLink partners include Infoseek and AltaVista and the company is part of the idealab! funding and advice group for Internet startups.