Woo-hoo! The Plaxo Toolbar for Internet Explorer version 1.0 has arrived and we've included some goodies in it for everyone:

1. AIM users: AIM users can now sign in with their AIM screen names and passwords.
2. People who are thoughtful, but lazy: Send eCards directly from the toolbar or while looking at a contact's details. "Thank you" and "Happy Birthday" cards are only a click away.
3. People who are bugged by bugs: While we were at it, we thought we'd fix some bugs too.

Upgrade or download your toolbar now. It's good stuff: http://www.plaxo.com/ietoolbar

Janice Ta, IE Toolbar Product Manager

In case you haven’t heard yet, the new Plaxo-enabled version of AIM (called “Triton”) has now been officially released to the public. Thanks to everyone that participated in the beta program. We encourage everyone to download Triton and let us know what you think!

The Triton release is a really big deal for Plaxo. It’s by far the largest and deepest partner-integration we’ve ever done, and it’s going to result in (among other things) a big increase in the number of Plaxo members. This is great news for everyone that uses Plaxo, because it means you’ll be able to automatically stay in touch with more and more of your friends and colleagues. To make it even easier, you can now get connected with fellow Plaxo members in your address book if you know their e-mail address or AIM Screen Name (previously you could only get connected by e-mail address). So there will be more people to connect with, more ways to get connected, and more places where your contact information follows you around and is always up-to-date.

Plaxo-enabling AIM is also a great step forward in our goal of giving users access to their data in whatever application they use. Just like our IE toolbar and Thunderbird toolbar, the new AIM provides another group of users with the ability to build and maintain a universal address book where they need it most, and it extends the reach and value of everyone that uses Plaxo as part of another app. And just like with all our toolbars, users of the new AIM also get web access to their contacts via Plaxo Online, so you can always look up someone’s info while you’re on the go.

Here are some of the features you’ll notice when you download Triton:

• Triton setup wizard. You can create work and home cards to share with your contacts (including our new, more powerful sharing options), build a universal address book by importing your existing contacts from Outlook, Outlook Express, Hotmail, and Yahoo!, and build your Buddy List by finding all your contacts that have an AIM Screen Name. If you’re already a Plaxo member, you can just attach Triton to your existing account, and it will sync your Plaxo address book with Triton.
• Build your Buddy List. This is a really useful feature, especially for people that maintain an address book outside of AIM. Plaxo will look at all the contacts in your address book that have Screen Names (either that you’ve entered or that you’ve received from fellow Plaxo members) and we’ll also look up all AIM members whose Screen Name is linked to an e-mail in your address book. You’ll be surprised how many people you know are on AIM but that you didn’t have in your Buddy List! You can then choose which of those contacts you want to add to your AIM Buddy List. If you’re an existing Plaxo member, you can still run the build Buddy List wizard by launching it from the Edit menu (after you’ve successfully synced your address book the first time).
• Integrated Triton UI. Once you get up and running with Triton, you’ll notice that in addition to your Buddy List, you also have an “Addresses” tab that reveals your Plaxo-enabled address book. Here you can look up extra contact info for your buddies and even choose what info you want to share with them. You’ll also notice the familiar Plaxo icons in the address list for contacts that are also using Plaxo or that you’ve sent an update request to. You can also edit your Plaxo cards from within Triton by going to Edit → Edit My Contact Info.
• AIM enhancements for Outlook. In addition to the new AIM itself, Triton comes with an optional update to the Plaxo Toolbar for Outlook and Outlook Express. In addition to keeping your Outlook and AIM address books in sync, the primary benefit you’ll notice is AIM presence inside Outlook. Click on the AIM status icon next to the From: in any e-mail you receive and you can IM the person, look up their contact info, and more.
• AIM enhancements for Plaxo Online. We’ve also added several AIM-friendly features to our online address book. First off, you can now sign in using your AIM Screen Name, as well as any of your e-mail addresses. Of course, you first have to add your Screen Name to your Plaxo cards (for Triton users, this should happen automatically).
• AIM Mail and AOL Mail. AIM Mail is the new free e-mail service available to all AIM users. When you link you Plaxo account to Triton you Plaxo address book is synced with your AIM Mail or AOL Mail address book. If you use Plaxo with Outlook, Outlook Express, or Thunderbird changes you make in those address books and synced with your AIM mail or AOL mail address book; one Universal Address Book!

We hope everyone will find the Plaxo integration in the new AIM to be useful and fun. As you'll see, Triton greatly expands the number of ways you can stay in contact with your friends and colleagues (im, email, voice, video, etc.) and Plaxo provides you with the contact info you need to take advantage of these new features.

As usual, send us feedback and stay tuned for more to come!

Thanks,
The Plaxo Team

Recall my earlier post about receiving an IM from Peter L. When AIM first popped up, I didn't initially recognize Peter as a known contact so I was understandably wary of responding back. Peter was able to IM me because he detected my AIM presence through Plaxo. He could see my AIM presence through Plaxo based on my AIM privacy settings which allowed him to look up my AIM Screen Name based on my email address.

It occurs to me that as AIM presence becomes more prevalent, I suspect others may find themselves in a similar situation. I started to wonder if there was a proper etiquette when communicating with someone through IM, in particular with someone who may not recognize you as a known contact.

We face a similar problem with Plaxo, so we've published our Plaxo Etiquette guide that all members are encouraged to follow. I thought for sure there must exist some type of etiquette for IM. To my surprise, I wasn't able to find any specific etiquette guidelines available on any of the major IM services (AOL, MSN, YIM) (actually, Microsoft did have an Instant Messaging Etiquette Guide that had some very good suggestions, but I felt this was slightly different than what I was looking for). I was able Google a number of helpful articles on IM etiquette, but here are a few of my own IM Etiquette suggestions:

- Don't use IM for initial introductions. Try to establish some type of relationship prior to using IM.
- Introduce yourself, especially if you are contacting someone unexpectedly. Make sure they know who you are and how you know each other.
- Be brief and on topic.
- Ask if it's OK to "talk" before jumping into the conversation.
- Use, don't abuse. Respect your contact's privacy. Just because you can see their AIM presence, doesn't mean you should use it.

In my case, I was fortunate because Peter did follow proper IM etiquette. He reminded me how we know each other, and we were able to quickly address his questions.

'til next time.

Stacy Martin
Plaxo Privacy Officer
privacy @t plaxo.com

A member asked me today, "Is AOL buying Plaxo?"

He had read the press release about how Plaxo and America Online have formed an agreement to help AOL members and AIM users to better manage contact information. He had also read AOL's Release of the Preview Edition of New AIM Triton Software that features a Plaxo-enabled AIM Address Book.

My answer to him was, No - these announcements do not mean AOL is purchasing Plaxo. They simply mean that Plaxo is powering and enabling the AIM Address book with the AIM Triton release, which in itself is very exciting news. More information on the Plaxo/AOL agreement is available on our web site.

Certainly I can't speak to the future, but the question also reminded me of what would happen if a business transition did occur for Plaxo. What would happen to a Plaxo member's information? Fortunately, we detail this in our Plaxo Privacy Policy, under the "Change of Ownership or Other Business Transition" section:

In the event Plaxo goes through a business transition, such as a merger, acquisition or the sale of all or substantially all of its assets (a ?Business Transition?), your membership in the Plaxo Network? and the Plaxo servers containing Your Information will, in most instances, be part of the assets transferred. In such event, you will be notified via e-mail and/or through a notice on our Web site and any other appropriate methods prior to the Business Transition, and Plaxo?s custody of Your Information will be transferred subject to all the terms and restrictions in this Privacy Policy.

Following a Business Transition, Plaxo or its successors will continue to use Your Information in accordance with the Privacy Policy under which the information was collected. If, however, we plan to use Your Information in a manner different from that stated at the time of collection we will notify you via e-mail and/or through a notice on our Web site and any other appropriate methods. You will have a choice as to whether or not we use Your Information in this different manner. Whether or not you wish to have Your Information used in this different manner, you will retain ownership rights to Your Information and the ability to delete Your Information at any time. Please note, if you have deleted or deactivated your account with the Services or are an opt-out User, then you will not be contacted, nor will Your Information be used in this different manner.

I've found most services do not outline what happens should a business transition occurs, but I wish more would do so. We've found that it adds to the transparency of our company, as well as our privacy practices. It allows people considering our service to better understand how their information is used and stays protected. And that I feel only helps them to make a better and more informed decision.

'till next time.

Stacy Martin
Plaxo Privacy Officer
privacy @t plaxo.com

I had previously corresponded with Peter only through email on some privacy questions he had on Plaxo. He wanted to thank me for my previous response (and of course, ask another question :-).

Peter was able to contact me through IM by noting my AIM presense in Plaxo Online. What was interesting though (at least to Peter), he was able to detect my AIM presense, even though he did not know my AIM Screen Name.

But how is this possible??? Was this a breach of my privacy or security?

Of course, the answer is No - my information is safe and secure as always. But then how was Peter able to contact me through my AIM Screen Name that he did not know? The answer lies in how I have set for my Privacy Settings for my AIM account and how AIM presense works.

My AIM Account Settings

When I registered for AIM, I validated my email address to my AIM account. I also configured my AIM Privacy settings to allow others to look up my AIM Screen Name based on my email address. Basically, I am allowing others to type in my email address and be returned my AIM Screen Name.

Because Peter knows my email address, Plaxo was able to utilize AOL's API, and based on my AIM Privacy Settings, look up my AIM Screen Name associated with my validated email address. Plaxo then shows my AIM presense next to my email address in Peter's address book. I can always change my AIM privacy settings to disable this look up if I do not wish others to see my AIM presense.

Fortunately, I understand what's going on here. But I suspect that as AIM presense becomes more widely available to Plaxo members, there may be confusion by some members on this new feature. Both our Support and Privacy teams are ready to answer any questions on the matter. But hopefully, there won't be too much confusion, and members will be very excited by this new way to stay connected.

Peter was able to use AIM presense to easily connect with me again, and effectively communicate with me quickly and easily.

'till next time.

Stacy Martin
Plaxo Privacy Officer
privacy @t plaxo.com

Has anyone checked out the new AIM presence that is available through Plaxo Online!!! AIM presence allows you to quickly determine your contact's current AIM status.

Using the email address of the contact maintained within your Plaxo Address Book, you can quickly see if your buddy is online, idle, mobile, etc... If you also have AIM installed, you can easily connect with them by clicking on the presence icon and sending them a quick instant message.

This was one of many new features announced as part of Plaxo's integration with the Universal Address Book for AIM and AOL users. AIM presence will soon be rolled into the Plaxo toolbar for Outlook and Outlook Express, but this feature is available now through Plaxo Online.

The presence icon honors the AIM Privacy settings of your AIM buddy. If your buddy allow others to look up their online AIM status, you'll be able to see it through Plaxo Online. If not, no status information is displayed.

It's safe, secure, and pretty cool.

To see if any of your contacts are online, log into your Plaxo Online account, go to Contacts, and click on the Names view (https://www.plaxo.com/contact_list?view=0).

'till next time.

Stacy Martin
Plaxo Privacy Officer
privacy @t plaxo.com

CORRECTION (2005-09-13 18:14:56): Engineering informs me that AIM presence shows up on the other Contacts views - not just the Names view. Even better!!!

Today was a momentous day for us at Plaxo as we announced our relationship with AOL. Already, we are starting to get some positive reactions to this announcement.

For the past 3 years, Plaxo has focused on building a useful service that enables individuals to easily connect to the people and information that matter to them. Along the way, we have gathered over 5 million subscribers, and have made technological innovation that bring us close to the goal of enabling people (from wherever they are) connecting with their friends and colleagues (wherever they are) in the manner (e-mail, regular mail, IM, phone, Voice over IP, Text messaging) that is most appropriate.

We are excited about the relationship with AOL for several reasons. Here are a few:

1. The Strength of Our Relationship: While this is not an exclusive relationship, both AOL and Plaxo have committed extensive amounts of time, resources, and energies to make this work. AOL has proven to be a fantastic company to work with through the entire process, and we are very much in synch about the need to provide an integrated and unified communications experience to our users. And...we both believe that our integrated services will be better for most users than either as a standalone. The Plaxo-enabled version of AIM will be the default version provided to the 700K or so people who download AIM every week, as well as the 60M current AIM users and AOL customers as they upgrade over the next several months. Similarly, the AIM enabled version of Plaxo will be the default offered to our new and upgrading members. (Obviously, we respect customer choice, and people can opt-out of the integrated versions if they choose.)
2. What this will mean for Plaxo Customers: Plaxo customers who choose to take advantage of our joint offerings should gain a number of new benefits. First, this will ensure that they can extend their universal address book to work well within AOL clients. Many of our subscribers use Plaxo in association with a work environment (such as Outlook), and use AIM, AIM Mail, or AOL at home, school, or on the road. This should allow them to easily share a universal address book and other PIM information. Furthermore, the integration of AIM presence information within Plaxo means that people will be able to look at the people in their address books (or look at the person who has just sent them an email) and be able to see if they are AIM users, see if they are online or offline, and?with one click, initiate an AIM session. Very cool.
3. What this will mean for the 60M AIM users and AOL customers. If you haven?t played around with the beta version of the newest AIM client, I encourage you to do so. You can already use that client as a way to initiate Instant Messaging, e-mail, text messaging, and Voice over IP calls with your friends, family, and colleagues. With this integration, we?ll be giving the users of these services the critical, up-to-date, accurate, and always synchronized information they need to fully take advantage of these new unified communications features. Plus, we hope that exposure to Plaxo will bring all of the advantages described above to AIM users and AOL members.
4. The Value that Comes from Scale: As a result of our work with AOL, the number of Plaxo subscribers should increase dramatically over the next several months. With as many as 30-60M new members, this should mean that:
   
   
   
   1. Plaxo should become a much more valuable service for everybody. To start with, everyone?s address books should be a lot more linked and a lot more up-to-date as the size of our network increases. Currently, when a new member joins Plaxo, they will find that about 20% of the people in their address book are already Plaxo members (and their entries will therefore have their most up-to-date information.) For the remainder of the people in their address books, people will have to use our Update Request mechanism or similar means to get new information. We estimate that the percentage of linked address entries should go up dramatically and?we hope?the need for update requests will go down dramatically.
   
   
   2. Plaxo?s near-term business model benefits: We?ve had some success already this year generating revenues through subscriptions to our premium services, through our in-context commerce offers (e.g. sending birthday cards), search, and advertising revenues. As the number of users increases, this of course will help us bring in the revenues we need to fund further development and growth, improve our products, pay our engineers, and meet the expectations of our investors.
   
   
   3. Plaxo?s long term business model benefits: Plaxo has always believed that there are a wide range of transactional, enterprise, and network services that we could provide when we had 50M members that we couldn?t provide when we had 5 M members. This should certainly help us on our way.
   
   
   4. Validation of the Work We?ve Done to Date: The fact that a company as well respected as AOL would choose to work with Plaxo on a project of this importance is certainly a testament to the quality of the team of talented developers, marketers, operations, and customer service people at Plaxo. Congrats, team!
   
   
   5. The Opportunity to Work with A Company like AOL: AOL is one of the pioneers of the internet, and has been responsible for bringing tens of millions of people online in a richly rewarding, secure, and high quality environment. We certainly hope to accomplish something similar as the Internet and converged networks move to a new phase of development, and are excited to be working with AOL along the way.
   
   
   
   

Well enough talking. We?ll be going into a beta in early August, and have plenty to do until then!

Ben Golub
CEO
Plaxo, Inc.