Google has integrated AOL's popular instant messaging service, AIM, into Gmail.

The new feature will enable users access their AIM account on their Gmail Web page. Users can also have instant message conversations with their AIM buddies on Gmail.

They need to simply click on the upside-down triangle next to "set status here" in Gmail chat, and select "Sign into AIM" from the drop down menu.

Once AIM log-in information is entered, AIM contacts would appear intermingled with Gmail contacts, and the user can select an AIM contact and start chatting directly.

As of now, only the English version of the new feature is being rolled-out. But soon, AIM access will be made available in other language versions as well.

While AIM is AOL's most valuable service dominating instant messaging in the US, Google's instant messaging 'Google Talk', which was integrated into Gmail in February last year, has failed to make a mark as yet.