ICQ (``I Seek You'') the world's largest online communications community and biggest international service, today announced the launch of its latest version ICQ 2000a worldwide.
This compelling new version of the popular ICQ service, a unit of America Online, Inc., features enhanced navigation; new instant messaging and communications functionality; interface, menus and features available in more than ten languages; and seamless access from the workplace through a new firewall- friendly TCP connection.
ZDNet praised version 2000a, stating ICQ ``keeps getting better,'' and adding that users should ``set ICQ as your home browser for one of the most powerful ports available.''
CNET calls ICQ ``our favorite instant messenger,'' calling version 2000a the ``best option'' for first time instant messenger, complimenting its new features, including an answering service, IP privacy enhancements and the ability to operate behind firewalls.
ICQ now tops 65 million registered users and more than 100,000 new registrations every day. The company also announced that ICQ is experiencing record active usage, with the daily user keeping ICQ open and connected to the service for 3 hours and actively using the service 75 minutes each day.
ICQ is currently the No. 1 download on the CNET's DOWNLOAD.COM Web site and has held the top position for more than one year.
Donn Davis, Chief Operating Officer, AOL Interactive Properties, said: ``The worldwide enthusiasm for ICQ has been tremendous and it continues to grow. The launch of version 2000a, with new features like firewall compatibility and a local language interface, will only strengthen our position. ICQ's product and development teams in Israel and the US have created a service that is compelling, convenient, and has become an integral part of millions of users' daily lives. Today, ICQ is clearly the undisputed leader in the online communications field.''
ICQ's user interface, menus and features are available in more than 10 languages -- including Japanese, German, Spanish, Chinese, French, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Swedish and Hebrew. ICQ users just need to download a separate piece of enabling software from partner Lingocom that is optimized for the ICQ user from the ICQ.com website.
Lingocom develops LingoWare, a breakthrough technology enabling quick and reliable methods to translate desktop and Web applications into numerous languages (for more information see lingocom.com)
ICQ founders Sefi Vigiser, Arik Vardi and Yair Goldfinger said: ``With a majority of our users based outside the United States, ICQ is the largest multilingual community on the Internet. Our enhanced language capability makes ICQ the most widely available online communications network and now many more of our users will read and understand the many menus, features and titles ICQ offers. We are proud to develop a service that can be enjoyed across the globe.''
Instant messaging is becoming an important communication tool for the business community, where companies are using it to increase efficiency and optimize employee production.
With the launch of 2000a, ICQ now operates over a TCP connection to enable communications behind firewalls. Users, including businesses, can now employ ICQ's comprehensive instant messaging functions in their workplace, allowing them to communicate with employees, partners and associates and the global professional community.
Additionally, a TCP connection is a more secure connection, an important element of any business transaction.
Since being acquired by America Online in June 1998, ICQ registered users have climbed by 350% and the network now supports more than 1.4 million simultaneous users. ICQ increasingly serves a very distinct segment of the online marketplace, with 2/3 of its users outside the US and a 2/3 between the ages of 18-34.
Published by Israel's Business Arena on May 11, 2000.