In the early 2000s, ICQ was a revolutionary online communication platform that gained immense popularity with its unique features such as contact lists and notifications. It became a global phenomenon, with its iconic flower logo and “uh-oh” notification.
After 30 years of service, ICQ has officially closed its chat service on June 26, encouraging users to transition to VK Messenger. The last stable version for desktop was released in April 2023, while the mobile app remained active and updated until the closure. Despite efforts to introduce new features like group chats and video conferences, ICQ lost its former glory as the market shifted towards more advanced mobile applications.
Being acquired by America Online (AOL) in 1998 and later sold to Mail.Ru Group in 2010, ICQ struggled to keep up with newer messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. As instant messaging continues to dominate the digital landscape, platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal have overshadowed ICQ’s presence.
The closure of ICQ comes at a time when IT asset management solutions, automation, and optimization are gaining importance in the industry. Many companies are seeking ways to streamline their operations and enhance efficiency as technology continues to evolve.
