Wanted: One IM/VoIP Client That Does it All

December 21, 2008


Vacancy Description:

There is an immediate opening in my life for a smart, fast, next-generation IM client that can integrate with multiple social networks, standard XMPP servers, email and POP accounts and VoIP services.

Candidates already evaluated:

Digsby: Digsby is an IM client that connects to AIM, MSN, Yahoo, ICQ, Google Talk, Jabber, and Facebook Chat.

Pros:

  • Can be used to manage e-mail on different networks (Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo Mail, AOL/AIM Mail, IMAP, and POP accounts).
  • Integrates with social networks like Facebook (receive friend requests, etc.) and Twitter (change status).

Cons:

  • Windows only (for now).
  • Can’t use for VoIP phone / video calls.

WengoPhone: A SIP client that also integrates with IM networks such as Google and AIM.

Pros:

  • Multi-platform (runs on Windows, Linux or Mac).
  • Supports SIP.
  • Support for AIM and Jabber IM accounts.

Cons:

  • Can’t integrate with social networks like Facebook.
  • Can’t be used to manage e-mail accounts

Meebo: A web-based service that integrates with a host of different IM and social networks, including Facebook and MySpace.

Pros:

  • Web-based — no install required, and can be accessed from anywhere.
  • Can connect to AIM, Yahoo, Google, MySpace, Facebook, Jabber and ICQ accounts

Cons:

  • Can’t use for VoIP phone / video calls.
  • Ad supported, so I get asked if I want to watch Miley Cyrus videos on occasion (who doesn’t though…)

This position will remain open until a suitable candidate has been found.