AOL is to launch an instant messaging (IM) service aimed at business users, the internet giant confirmed today.

Teaming up with WebEx Communications, the new service is due to be unveiled before June, although pricing has yet to be confirmed.

Currently knows as "AIM Pro", the IM service will come in two flavours - a professional edition for home workers and SMEs, and one geared for large corporations.

Both promise secure chat, conference calls, online meetings and oodles of other stuff.

According to research from the Radicati Group, instant messaging is used by some 135m workers with numbers expected to 477m by 2009. Which is nice. ®

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