AIM Bots
What is an AIM Bot?
An AIM Bot is a screen name that can respond automatically to the IMs it receives. It is capable of maintaining high volume IM conversations with multiple users simultaneously, but can not initiate IM conversations without special permission. With the AIM Bots program, it's easy to turn any screen name into a bot.
Compared to regular screen names, AIM Bots have special powers. AIM Bots are not subject to normal rate limits, but are prevented from initiating IM conversations to users that do not have the initiating bot on their Buddy List. AIM Bots can't be warned, and can appear online to up to 10,000 buddies at once.
AIM Bots allow you to easily provide dynamic content and information via IM. They allow you to create real-time interactive experiences, such as providing song lyrics, state capitals, jokes, or pictures, to a large audience on demand. AIM Bots can initiate conversations to users that have the bot on their Buddy List.
What is an Enterprise Bot?
Enterprise Bots can be categorized into two types: Direct Bots and Worker Bots. Direct Bots have only a master screenname and no workers. You can log in to a Direct Bot's master screenname. Worker Bots have a master screenname which serves as an alias to several other screennames known as workers that help share the messaging load. You can not log into a Worker Bot's master screenname. Having a master screenname with no workers still depends on the type being set as Direct versus Worker, regardless of whether there are workers assigned.
An Enterprise Bot is only enabled though a review process with the AOL Bot Program Team. This review provides an open dialogue between your organization and AOL to explore this or other business opportunities. Please contact us via this form with a description of your Bot and the Bot Program Team will reach out to you.
What is a Consumer Bot?
A Consumer Bot is created when a user chooses to Bot'ify their screen name. Click on "Bot My Screenname" and sign in using the AIM screen name you want to turn into an AIM Consumer Bot.
What are the differences between an Enterprise Bot and a Consumer Bot?
Check this comparison chart.
What do I need to get started?
- Simply click on "Bot My Screenname" and sign in using the AIM screen name you want to turn into an AIM Bot.
- Once your AIM Bot has been created, you'll have to instruct it on how to respond to IMs.
- Check out our code samples for C++ and Java and bot tutorial for C#.
- The AIM SDK has sample code to help you get started. Remember, you'll need to register for a AIM Client key and download the AIM SDK.
Need to "un-Bot" your Screen Name?
Click here to "unbot" your screen name.
Need more information?
- Learn more in our FAQ.
- See what others have to say in our message board forum.
- In order to become an Enterprise BOT, please contact us via this form.