Apple and AOL join forces over instant messaging

AOL has won the support of Apple in its fight with Microsoft over instant messaging.

Apple has announced it will work with AOL to develop instant messaging products. Apple CEO Steve Jobs endorsed AOL, claiming it had built "the biggest and best instant messaging service in the world".

Battle lines were drawn last week when Microsoft launched software that allowed all instant messengers - including AOL customers - to interact. Previously, AOL customers had only been able to chat to each other.

AOL reacted by creating blocks to prevent the Microsoft service from working with its customers.

In retaliation, Microsoft created 'work arounds' to overcome these blocks. The company claimed it has registered 700,000 users since the service was launched.