Yangkui's Blog | Yangkui S's Blog - Import your MSN and QQ contacts into Google Talk

Let me briefly explain what Google Talk (hereinafter referred to as GTalk) is. As the name suggests, GTalk is Google's IM client. The software was released with the principles of simplicity and minimalism in mind. There isn't a single unnecessary button on GTalk's white interface, nor are there any advertisements to bother you. GTalk's simplicity doesn't just apply to its interface; in terms of functionality, it only offers basic instant messaging, voice communication, file transfer, and voicemail. Those who desire more features can visit the website http://www.customizetalk.com to download plugins that add functionalities, chat themes, and skins to GTalk. GTalk uses the open-source jabber communication protocol, so any IM client that adopts the jabber protocol can be used to log into GTalk services, without necessarily having to use the official client. This also lays the foundation for importing contacts from other services like MSN and QQ into GTalk. Unlike closed-protocol IM software such as MSN and QQ, Google encourages the use of third-party clients and even provides methods for logging into GTalk using some popular jabber clients in the GTalk help center.