Online messaging multi-platform service Meebo is cool. It lets you chat in your web browser using your account at a number of popular IM services, including ICQ and MSN. I’ve used it from time to time, especially when I’m at someone else’s computer.
Another $9m in funding will increase staff (they’re 10 now, apparently) and also make a new API a reality for developers who wants to integrate with the Meebo service.
But where to next? 1 million registered Meebo users is of course a lot, but surely there are grander schemes at web IM headquarters? Here are some thoughts on what Meebo might be doing in the future:
- Take on MyBlogLog and make sure that Meebo is in every blog sidebar
- Meebo Enterprise, giving companies and online stores a live chat with its customers, with possible integration with the store
- Meebo Out Load make voice chat accessible everywhere
- Webcam support for all IM protocols
- A stand-alone Meebo client, built upon open-source kick-ass IM program Gaim, further ties users to the service
- Meebo signs a deal with Google, delivering relevant Adsense ads on the Meebo page, based on your messages just like Gmail does
Where will Meebo end up, and who will buy it? I’d count Google, Yahoo, Microsoft and AOL out since they really don’t want to open up IM more than what’s benefits their own respective services.
Originally posted on January 19, 2007 @ 4:33 am
Here’s where the money is