Google Inc. will introduce over the coming weeks a simpler way for Google users to conduct instant message chats from inside a Web browser window, alongside their e-mail, the company said on Monday.

Google, which is known for its simple way of searching the Web, is hoping that by embedding new instant messaging software it calls Gmail Chat into its existing e-mail service it can differentiate itself in a crowded market it was late to join.

The Mountain View, California-based company is struggling to stand out in an entrenched field. Instant messaging was pioneered by America Online more than a decade ago. It, Yahoo Inc. and Microsoft Corp. now have tens of millions of users each.

Google is fixing a decade-old technical divide between the generic Web browser that can check e-mail, search the Web or perform a host of other activities, and separate software used to converse in quick back-and-forth messages with buddies.

An interesting step by Google…Read more courtesy of reuters