|
|
| Gartner's Instant Message Survey Shows America Online Leading Microsoft |
| Gartner Predicts an AOL and Microsoft Power Struggle Over User Identities |
|
STAMFORD, CONN, May 1, 2001 — According to a survey by Gartner, Inc. (NYSE: IT and ITB) released today, 52 percent of consumers and 51 percent of business users use America Online (AOL) instant messaging. Additionally, 36 percent of consumers and 40 percent of business users use Microsoft instant messaging. While many consumers currently use both brands, early brand acceptance can be a key differentiator in this nascent market, according to Gartner.
This race for market share will heat up as Gartner predicts the total number of instant messaging users to grow to 180 million worldwide by 2004. More importantly, Gartner says that 60 percent of all real-time online communication - voice or text - will be driven through instant messaging technology. Gartner analysts are alerting consumers and business users to this trend as these early instant message battles will lead to identity wars. According to Gartner, as consumers and business users select brand loyalty to AOL or Microsoft, they may be pledging not only their IM address, but also their future online persona and personal data. This long-term market advantage will be far more beneficial than owning an e-mail address or domain. Instant messaging will be the core of wireless e-commerce, live collaboration, virtual gaming and a host of other Internet applications. "As you select your instant messaging preference, think about who will safeguard your banking data, social security number and a host of other private transactions," said Neil MacDonald, Gartner analyst. "Clearly, Microsoft has the technology lead, but AOL has the consumer confidence on privacy and security matters. The last place you want to have an identity crisis is online." Additional analysis on instant messaging will be discussed at Gartner Spring Symposium/ITxpo 2001, May 7-10, in Denver, Colorado. This event is the IT industry's largest and most strategic conference, delivering practical, actionable IT information and strategies to business leaders. Spring Symposium/ITxpo 2001 will feature more than 170 sessions led by Gartner analysts. The sessions will cover 32 tracks, including E-Government, Internet Privacy and Security, Measuring and Assessing IT Investment Decisions, and E-Business Transformation. To register for Gartner's Spring Symposium/ITxpo 2001, please call 1-800-778-1997 or 1-203-316-6757, or go to www.gartner.com/symposium. Members of media can register by contacting Lisette Kwong at 1-212-320-2330 or lkwong@tsicomm.com. About Gartner, Inc. Gartner, Inc. is a research and advisory firm that helps more than 10,000 clients understand technology and drive business growth. Gartner's divisions consist of Gartner Research, Gartner Consulting, Gartner Measurement and Gartner Events. Founded in 1979, Gartner Inc. is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut and consists of 4,600 associates, including 1,400 research analysts and consultants, in more than 80 locations worldwide. The company achieved fiscal 2000 revenue of $859 million. For more information, visit www.gartner.com. |
| CONTACT: |
|
Danielle Westling Gartner 203-316-6754 danielle.westling@gartner.com |
