Open Oscar Server: open-source server compatible with AIM and ICQ clients

2026-08-30 | original

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Why This Matters

Open OSCAR Server is a significant open-source project that revives classic AIM and ICQ messaging protocols, offering users and developers a customizable alternative to proprietary messaging services. Its compatibility with various clients and protocols highlights its potential to preserve legacy chat systems and foster innovation within the messaging ecosystem.

Key Takeaways

Supports a wide range of AIM and ICQ clients and features.
Open-source and actively maintained, encouraging community contributions.
Enables legacy protocol support and customization for modern users and developers.

Open OSCAR Server

Open OSCAR Server is an open-source instant messaging server compatible with classic AIM and ICQ clients written in golang.

Above: Pidgin IM connected to Open OSCAR Server

Disclaimer This project is an independent, open-source initiative and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with AOL or Yahoo! Inc. This project is entirely non-commercial and does not generate any revenue or accept donations.

The following features are supported:

AIM

Windows AIM Clients: v1.x-v5.x, v6.x-v7.x

Windows AIM Clients: v1.x-v5.x, v6.x-v7.x Away Messages

Away Messages Buddy Icons (v4.x, v5.x)

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Explore topics: aim icq open oscar pidgin golang