IBM announced an <A HREF="http://www-03.ibm.com/press/us/en/pressrelease/19143.wss">advanced real-time collaboration platform,</A> which includes a set of tools and technologies designed to help customers communicate, share information and conduct business faster, using the collaborative tools that best suit their business need. IBM's new platform includes a new version of IBM Lotus Sametime, new audio and video conferencing integration, and connectivity with some of the leading consumer IM platforms, including AOL, and Yahoo! In addition, IBM and Google intend to connect Lotus Sametime and Google Talk users.