Feb 23 2008
Multi platform IM client vs Single platform IM client
Are you in a dilemma where you want technology to solve all those clutters during start up? Or do you prefer 1 network than having multiple accounts? I’ve been scouring the internet for possible candidates for “better” and “stable” IM clients. I’m using IM because IM can connect me to my classmates and friends here on the internet besides mobile phone. But have you thought of “reducing” those unwanted start up programs by looking for a all in one client rather than downloading every single piece of them? Here’s my outlook for those clients.
What is multi platform IM client? Multi platform IM client is a single client that can connect to several networks (ie. AOL, Windows Live, Yahoo, IRC, ICQ, Jabber, GTalk). They can reduce the clutters where when you sign up on a particular network, you need to download their program. Example of a multi platform IM client is Trillian Basic/Trillian Pro, Pidgin, Miranda and Kopete(Linux). The advantage of this clients is they can connect to all networks using their domain. You can customize them by downloading plug ins and skins. Although there are certain limitations depending on the client but the important thing is you can communicate with your friends.
Single platform IM client in the other hand focuses only on 1 or 2 (for Yahoo) networks. They are much dependent on the network because the IM client is based from their name (ie. Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, etc.). The problem about this single platform IM client is whenever you have multiple accounts, you need to disconnect or log off 1 account and change it with the other account. That would be impossible since there are a lot of program that patches IM clients to run multiple instances. This is better when you have a single account. These has more features compared to the multi platform IM client. You don’t need to customize this IM client except for the plug ins.
Since I have multiple accounts, I’d rather go for multi platform IM client but in anyways, as long as you can send message to you friends around the globe, it’s up to you whether you focus on 1 or multiple. I also saw that Trillian is getting popular together with Miranda but anyway, what the heck.
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