A federation of IM networks,
committed to an interoperable world.

About Us

The IM Federation (IMF) advocates open standards, and open directories.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to support the use of open standards and open directories, while encouraging all IM networks to do the same, thereby ensuring simple, inter-operable access to instant messaging and continued competition and innovation for all.

Open Directory

Networks with open directories allow their users to both message people in other networks, and be messaged by people from other networks.

For a list of IM networks with open directories, click here

Open Standards

For IM networks to be able to intercommunicate with one another, they must speak a common language. That common language must be well defined, and should not be overly complicated. The IM Federation supports the jabber standard, as a simple and effective way for IM networks to communicate with one another.

For a list of standards-compliant IM software, click here

IM Federation Badges

IM Federation members can identify themselves, and their support of open directories and standards, by displaying one of these banners on their web page: