AOL Launches Social Networking Service

AOL's ICQ Universe promises to let users find and link up with friends, family members and colleagues, and have a "dynamic view" of their online relationships. Such an offering would compete with networking services Friendster and LinkedIn in the consumer world. Microsoft has also said it is working on prototype social networking technology.

Several companies, including LinkedIn, Contact Networks and Visible Path, are trying to move social networking technology into a business context where it could be used to set up and check business partner and customer referrals. (See related story.)

ICQ Universe membership is by invitation only, the company said. Guests can register at a "virtual lobby" at universe.icq.com where they can look at member profiles and request admission.

ICQ Universe is one of two AOL instant-messaging services and claims 175 million registered users, eight million of which log in daily.