America Online, Inc. has formed a partnership with IBM to connect their instant messaging communities.

IBM Lotus Sametime users will be able to instant message AOL AIM. IBM Lotus Sametime users can also instant message ICQ and Apple iChat members.

"IBM is committed to bringing business communities together for increased productivity. Certified federation with AOL's global instant messaging network will enable our customers to quickly exchange information and share resources with partners, vendors and customers throughout the United States and beyond," says Ken Bisconti, vice president, workplace, portal and collaboration products, IBM.

Currently, AOL displays ads within the AIM window.