Tencent QQ, generally referred to as QQ, is the most popular free instant messaging
computer program in Mainland
China. The original name of QQ was OICQ (Open ICQ) when it was initially developed by Tencent Inc. in February 1999. However, because of the possible trademark infringement with another popular instant messenger (ICQ), and also the fact that neither the program nor the protocol is considered "open", Tencent changed its name to QQ.
The lastest version of QQ is QQ2006, while there are several other verions operational at the same
time. Like ICQ, QQ members are identified by unique numerical QQ numbers.
Although used mainly in Mainland
China, QQ also finds its popularity in South Africa and there are already servers established in
SA too.