Yahoo! Messenger, our primary means of communication here, just opened up an API in their new Beta version 8 to allow developers to create Plug-Ins around their IM client. With 60 millions users, this will create many opportunities to integrate and enhance the IM experience within other sites and applications.
In addition to Yahoo!, Microsoft just announced that its Windows Live Messenger is out of BETA. We can expect a lot to come between the two clients, especially since they will both integrate their IM networks.
Read more from Stowe Boyd over at /Message.