[BritExPatInFla]

ICQ and others also existed prior to 1997

[philman_36]

ICQ and others also existed prior to 1997
From above, second link...ICQ – a program released by the company, Mirabilis – established itself as the first general instant messenger in November, 1996, and became known for merging the presence of online contacts and the exchange of messages.
I highlighted the part I put in. I guess I shouldn't have snipped it.