Microsoft Sending AOL a Message

REDMOND, Wash. -- The rumors were true. Microsoft (MSFT Quote) founder Bill Gates on Monday unveiled a handful of software building blocks, code-named "Hailstorm," which will be used to battle rival America Online (AOL Quote) for control of the instant messaging market.

As reported on TheStreet.com last week, Hailstorm will become Microsoft's platform using instant messaging technology to share information among consumers' PCs, cell phones and other devices. It's part of Microsoft's .Net initiative, which promises to move the software leader's programs into Web-based delivery.

Microsoft wants to dethrone AOL, the current king of the instant messaging (IM) market with 130 million users. Microsoft, whose MSN Messenger messaging service has 18 million users, also is looking for revenue opportunities in every corner of the Web to make up for the sputtering PC market. ...