meebo Launches meebo rooms API and the meebo Network

Online chat provider meebo is announcing the launch of their "meebo rooms API" along with the "meebo Network" which is an advertising play for the larger meebo customers. They are launching these tools with five key partners: Piczo, Revision3, RockYou, Social Project, and Tagged.

meebo rooms API

The API takes the standard meebo rooms program to the next level with more customization and options. meebo notes regarding the releas, "The new API will automate the creation, configuration and monetization of meebo rooms for partners allowing them to integrate rooms into their user registration databases, and content management and publishing systems."

meebo Network

The new meebo Network is only available for "marquee partners" and appears to be an ad network tied into the meebo Rooms API above. meebo claims that the new ads will be: unobtrusive and user-friendly. The partners will share in the revenue generated by the ads.

We are starting to see more of the meebo business model revealed – pushing ads out to partners is a good idea assuming the partners have input on what ads are shown. Will we next see ads inside the meebo widgets that so many blogs and Web sites are using?

As for the latest metrics, meebo is self-reporting its total monthly reach at 25 million people.