AOL Acquires Userplane

AOL LLC has acquired Userplane, a provider of community networking software that develops and markets Web-based chat and IM tools that can be deployed and integrated into a variety of Web services.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Userplane has licensed its chat technology to more than 100,000 Web sites and online communities, and has a presence in more than 25 countries, according to the company. Its network of online communities includes social networking and dating Web sites, blogs and niche communities. The company offers its Web-based chat and IM services under three business models: a monthly licensing model in which customers pay fees based on usage; a free model in which Userplane represents the resulting advertising inventory; and a hybrid model through which licensed clients can also place Userplane's advertising inventory on their site and share in the proceeds.

"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," said Ted Leonsis, vice chairman and president of AOL Audience Business.

Userplane will continue to be based in Los Angeles. It will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of AOL and is AOL's third 2006 acquisition, following Lightningcast Inc. in May and Truveo Inc. in January.

AOL LLC www.aol.com
Userplane www.userplane.com

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