<blockquote>
"Jabber is the only candidate for that [a common IM standard and set of methodologies]."
</blockquote>

Perhaps. I do not understand why XMLblaster (at XMLblaster.org) or XMLbooster (at XMLbooster.com) are not also candidates. And, more generally, what about other XML messaging servers (see http://www.xml.com/pub/rg/Messaging_Servers)?

Could you please explain why these others are not "candidates?" TIA.