ICQ: Oh-Oh! The Sound of Instant Messaging

Until now, communicating on the internet was a "batch" process. You send an email and wait. You post to a newsgroup and wait. You might hang out on IRC if you’re a real geek, but that requires knowing the right servers and commands.

But a small Israeli company called Mirabilis has just released ICQ ("I Seek You"), and it’s changed the rhythm of my workday.

The Buddy List

The core innovation of ICQ isn't just the messaging; it's the presence. You have a "Buddy List" that shows you who is online in real-time. That little green flower icon is a signal that a colleague is available for a quick question, or a friend is up for a chat.

It uses a proprietary protocol over UDP, which makes it incredibly fast. When you send a message, it pops up on the other person's screen almost instantly.

UINs: Your Digital Identity

When you sign up, you get a UIN (Universal Internet Number). Mine is six digits—a badge of honor for being an early adopter. Unlike email addresses, which change when you switch ISPs, your UIN is yours forever.

# The ICQ Protocol in a nutshell (simplified)
[Client] -> [Server]: I'm online (UIN 123456, IP 1.2.3.4)
[Server] -> [Friends]: UIN 123456 is now online
[Client] -> [Friend]: "Hey, do you have that code snippet?"

The "Oh-Oh!" Heard 'Round the World

That distinctive "Oh-Oh!" sound effect is becoming the soundtrack of offices everywhere. It’s the sound of the world getting smaller. We're moving from a web of documents to a web of people.

Of course, it’s a massive distraction. My productivity takes a hit every time that little window slides up. But the ability to collaborate in real-time with someone on the other side of the planet is worth the occasional interruption. ICQ has proven that "instant" is the most important word on the internet.