Beginning today, Yahoo! Mail users will be able to chat in real-time using a new instant messaging (IM) feature that is seamlessly integrated into the Yahoo Mail beta. The new feature, built on the Yahoo Messenger platform, began rolling out today to Yahoo Mail beta users worldwide, and will be available to all users in the coming months.

"Yahoo is focused on making it easier for people to connect to those who matter most to them," says John Kremer, vice president, Yahoo Mail. "By bringing Yahoo's leading instant messaging capabilities to email users, we're transforming Yahoo Mail into a tool that's about communicating; regardless of the form that communication takes."

Using the system, people can choose to let others know if they are online and available to exchange messages in real time, and users will be able to see the online status of everyone in their contact list as well. Each instant messaging dialogue will take place in a new conversation tab within Yahoo Mail beta, allowing people to chat with multiple friends simultaneously, without leaving the email experience. Users can also convert emails into IMs when friends come online (or vice-versa).

Find out more about Yahoo's offerings and how the portal is helping marketers succeed with our Essential Guide to Yahoo! -- Email, IM & Voice.