AOL announced on Monday that it has acquired the online communication company Userplane. Userplane offers Web-based instant messaging, chat, and social networking services. Bringing Userplane under its wing will expand the consumer and enterprise communication tools that AOL offers.
Ted Leonsis, AOLis vice chairman and president stated "Userplane will expand and extend the reach and relevance of the AOL instant messaging franchise, while continuing to provide social networking audiences and specialized communities with brandable clients tailored to meet their needs."
As AOL expands its messaging services, that may eventually translate into expanded iChat, .Mac, and other communication features for Mac users.
The terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the 12 Userplane employees will continue to work from their Los Angeles-based offices.