Russian Google Competitor Embraces Open Source Messaging

rm writes "Internet search and mail provider Yandex, which many view to be Google's main competitor in Russia, has recently added an instant messaging capability to its mail notifier application Ya.Online. As it turns out, the IM service is based on the open XMPP protocol, with connectivity to all other public Jabber servers available from day one. MacOS X and GNU/Linux versions of the app were also released (complete with sources under the GPL) and are determined to be based on the Psi IM client. Yandex looks to be a firm believer in open-source, also running a mirror site for FOSS and actively promoting its branded version of Firefox. Here's hoping that its affair with XMPP will help eliminate ICQ's enormous foothold in Russia."

Well, what do you expect?

[Anonymous Coward]

They're communists! Duh.

Re:Fukken Awesome

[Anonymous Coward]

If I knew how to communicate in the Russian language, I'd probably be masturbating to Yandex brand right now.

Russian isn't hard at all. Observe. In Soviet Russia, Yandex masturbates to you. See?

Re:Why is this important?

[Anonymous Coward]

Because Russia is cool?

In Soviet Russia...

[bemo56]

Google Searches You!!!

Well my karma is in the way down, might as well encourage it!

Re:In before....

[Stormwatch]

In Soviet Russia, a thousand jokes post before YOU!!

Why is it that open source is always 'embraced'?

[Anonymous Coward]

Can't it be just joined, takes up.. emm .. anything else?

I always wondered why different people from every part of the world came to "embrace" open source?

This open source guy must be a very cosy man .. or a very good kisser ;)

Thanks for this information

[TheModelEskimo]

I was wondering about the status of open source in Russia. I knew they had recently invaded the neighboring country of Georgia and had been involved in some atrocities against civilians and journalists, but in the midst of all that I was like, "hey, where is this country with the whole open source thing?" Thank you for your efforts to clear this up.

Re:Why is it that open source is always 'embraced'

[BitZtream]

You have to embrace it before you can extend and extinguish it.

Duh.

Re:Missing info

[Anonymous Coward]

from a GIRL a day or so ago

LIES!