AOL plan to expand the current usage of AIM software to cover mobile phones, it has been revealed. They have launched a AOL Mobile Developer program which is meant to reduce the time manufacturers spend creating AOL Instant Message (AIM) software for their handsets. Such a program is needed because handset makers and cell phone service providers must work one-on-one with AOL, and this process can take up a lot of time, whilst not going very far. The program should address this.

The software will almost certainly be available on many different manufacturers' cell phones, and to make this possible AOL has started working with a set of mobile messaging standards created by the Open Mobile Alliance. Handset makers Motorola, LG Electronics, Samsung Telecommunications America and Siemens are already involved.