[20020328]RS20688_Internet上的即时消息：竞争和公平准入的互操作性问题.pdf

1 Barry Nance, “Instant Messaging: Good for E-Commerce?” Computerworld, 15 May 2000, p.74; John Borland, “Instant Messaging Moves to Cell Phones,” CNet N, 23 February 2000,http:/ Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS20688Updated March 28, 2002Instant Messaging on the Internet:Interoperability Issues of Competition andFair Accessname redactedAnalyst in Information Science and Technology PolicyResources, Science, and Industry DivisionSummaryInstant Messaging (IM) is one of the fastest growing Internet applications. Therecent debate about IM is related to the broad issues of open access rules andcompetition in the high speed Internet service and cable television markets. AlthoughIM technology has evolved largely independent of formal regulation, a review of theAOL-Time Warner (AOL-TW) merger brought issues of interoperability (the ability toexchange messages between multiple IM services) among IM services under scrutinyboth in the US and Europe. Concerns about open access and accessibility for thedisabled, have been raised by Members of Congress, the Federal Trade Commission(FTC), the Federal Communications Commission