What scenarios are enabled by scripting or automating an IM client?

Question

What can I do with an API for an IM client? Why do I want this? What new scenarios are opened up? How can I take advantage of it? Is it something I can graft into existing apps?
or are IM APIs primarily targeted at enabling new types of applications?

Answer 1

There are two ways that I see where an API could be useful for an IM client.

1. A protocol API, which would let you add your own IM protocols to the application.
2. Chat API, which lets you add things such as spell checking, expanding text, etc.