Like much of the group that made it popular, IM (instant messaging) is a high-potential teenager going through an identity crisis, according to Microsoft product unit manager David Gurle.

Speaking at the Instant Messaging Planet Spring 2003 Conference and Expo here Tuesday, Gurle told attendees that IM is often misunderstood, and that for its true potential to be realized, service providers will have to undergo a tremendous shift in their business models.

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