What Does 'AIM' Stand For?

Evening All

Can someone tell me what 'AIM' stands for? I assume that it's some kind of instant chat/messenger service similar to MSN and Yahoo chat.....(given the little running man sign by the side of people's '# of posts' )

I know it's probably a stupid question but it's been bugging me!

Thanks
Daydream

(My guess is 'XXXXX Instant Message/Messenger'??....does the 'A' stand for Apple?....for those with MAC's?)

Thanks Rellosk!!

I forgot about good old AOL. I made use of a free trial with AOL but that electronic woman who greets you every time you log on started to annoy me!! So I didn't sign up.....I am sure there was a way to switch her off but anyway I found a better deal elsewhere in the end....however that was a long time ago. Does she still exist??!!