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.