There are two options for the AIM Clearinghouse:

• Basic Federation (Public only) – This program enables enterprises to interconnect with the public IM community using the AIM Business Network. Many enterprises have customers or partners that have not implemented an EIM system but instead rely on public networks for their instant messaging needs. Basic federation is typically offered through our vendors either as a feature included with their product, or as a service that can be added for an additional fee.
• Full Federation (Public and Private) – This program includes all of the features included in the Basic Federation program plus the additional benefits:
  • Extended Reach – Enables a private EIM system to communicate with other private communities that are members of the AIM Clearinghouse.
  • Reduced Complexity – Decreases the network management burden involved for an enterprise attempting to exchange messaging with multiple private EIM communities. Rather than maintaining multiple DNS entries for each private community, the enterprise provides the information to the AIM Clearinghouse for external management.
  • Increased Safety – The AIM Clearinghouse validates the connectivity information provided by each member, verifying that member information is up to date and that communications are safe.