Other IM programs don't require that--users of AOL Instant Messenger, for instance, might have a totally different IM name than their e-mail address, or might not even have an AOL account at all.

FORBES

You don't have that kind of flexibility with IM, nor do I think should you - it's just the wrong medium for that kind of interaction.

ENGADGET: Interview with David E. Weekly, Founder of Coceve and www.IMsmarter.com

Individual TV channels, complete with personalized slide shows of digital photos, can be created and access can be given to others, even if they aren't in the same house, similar to an IM buddy list.

CNN: Home of future happening now