AOL Begins Enterprise IM Beta

AOL this week released in beta the business version of its popular instant-messaging service.

AIM Pro includes one-click access to voice and video conferencing and desktop sharing services powered by WebEx Communications Inc. The AIM service features an ad-free interface and integration with Outlook, Microsoft's popular email client.

In addition, business employees can use their professional email address as their AIM Pro screen name, link to existing AIM accounts and migrate existing AIM contacts into the Pro Buddy List.

During the beta period, AIM Pro will be available at no charge. A subscription fee will be required once the service officially launches in late summer.

In developing AIM Pro, AOL, which is a unit of Time Warner Inc., is looking to cash in on the inroads its instant-messaging service has made in the work life of consumers. According to AOL, 135 million workers used AIM on the job.

Among the features in the professional version is business-grade security and SSL encryption for messages, AOL said.