AOL has opened its AIM instant messaging network to external developers. Designed to facilitate the development of AIM plug-ins, the creation of AIM user interface applications and the integration of AIM presence information into Web sites, the "Open AIM initiative" will have its own Web site at developer.aim.com. Developers will be able to find tools there, as well as documentation and much more. Developers are allowed to give commercial use to the AIM plug-ins and applications they build.