There’s been some speculation as of late that Google is scheduled to launch and IM program on their own. I’ve got a few thoughts on the matter:

• Jabber-based - Any incarnation of an IM from Google, in my opinion, would have to be based on an open standard such as Jabber. In the long term, I think Jabber is the protocol of choice for IM and we can expect a great deal of growth in this area.

• Desktop / Web Client - Google is dead set on moving into the desktop space. I doubt, however, that they’ll barrel past their web roots. The heritage has established a trackrecord for API-based development which affords both deployment platforms.

• Tight Integration - Google has had the benefit of watching Yahoo! and the like develop their IM strategies in public. What works, what doesn’t, and what’s needed are all still apparent and we can trust this team to come to the rescue in a big way. I’d expect a very minimalist tool, but that will afford better integration with Google Desktop Search, the Google Toolbar, and who knows what else.

• Socially Networked - There’s no doubt Google will try to tie in their Orkut property and Google Personalized Search into this potential application. IM is a wonderful playground for making new connections. ICQ and AIM have made efforts, but in my opinion still dropped the ball as this is concerned. There’s still room for a newcomer to encourage NEW relationships and community.

So some of the big questions that remain are:

• Will this beast be another AdWords-driven monster?
• Do I want another IM client?
• Will you drink the Kool Aid and install it?