What keeps Apple from supporting all IM networks in iChat?

Adium does it. Apple could do it.

But sometimes MSN and others change things around so the other clients that use the network break. I’m not sure if Apple would want to open themselves up to the complaining that would ensue when iChat stops working because Microsoft changed something. They seem to have a deal with AIM so I doubt AOL is going to break AIM without talking to Apple first.

There are a few reasons I can think of…
1. Some chat protocols are proprietary and would require licensing agreements from their owners. AOL licensed OSCAR (AIM’s protocol) to Apple in 2002. The terms of that deal aren’t known, but Apple would need to either license or reverse-engineer other proprietary protocols, which represents a cost to the company.
2. iChat offers advanced features, like multi-way video chat, that aren’t supported in all IM protocols. Adding protocols that don’t support these features would complicate the interface and design of iChat.
3. Apple doesn’t strive to be everything to everyone. Their consumer-level products are designed to work for the average person, and that’s exactly what iChat does. AIM is the most popular IM network and the barrier to entry is very low. If it doesn’t work for you, you’re free to use something else (like Adium).

Also, if you really want to, you can access other protocols via Jabber – which is supported. I have one stuborn friend that still uses MSN (all the others have Macs now) and I can connect to him via my Jabber server from iChat. It’s far easier, however, to just get your friends to buy Macs (and they’ll be happier too ;)

May I say this…
Because it’s apple, why would they support them all with their iChat? Especially MSN (Microsoft Network).

@Maverick no, no I would not be happy with a mac.

@TheBox Oh, so you’re the one!