Microsoft, Yahoo connect IM services

CNet reports today:

Nine months after announcing they would make their instant messaging services interoperate, Yahoo and Microsoft have done it.

The companies are set to release on Thursday a limited beta test of a service that will enable users of Windows Live Messenger (the next generation of MSN Messenger) and Yahoo Messenger with Voice to connect with each other.

When you comptetion acts defensive, it certainly means that you are doing something right.Can we say that MS & Yahoo are partnering due to the fear of Skype or Google / AOL annoucement to make their IMs interoperable.