Is this the beginning of the end for AOL Instant Messenger? The New York Times is reporting that AOL is cutting more than 100 employees across the board, most of whom are in the AIM division.

AOL reps did not immediately respond to questions from PCMag, but confirmed the layoffs to the Times.

"We are making some strategic but very difficult changes to better align our resources with key areas of growth for us as a company," AOL said in a statement. "We remain committed to our presence in Silicon Valley and driving innovation in consumer products and mobile."

An anonymous former AOL employee told the Times that AIM has been pared down to just support staff, and that the majority of the West Coast tech team has been eliminated.

Among those confirmed to be leaving is Jason Shellen, the West Coast vice president of AOL messenger products. All Things D, which first reported the news, said Eric van Miltenburg, senior vice president of AOL business operations, will also depart.

According to the Times, cuts have been made at AIM to maximize profits. Citing two employees familiar with operations at AIM, the paper said that section of AOL generates about $50 million in annual revenue. Prior to layoffs, operating costs for the Instant Messenger division were at about half that, and the ultimate goal is to slim costs down to about $2 million or $3 million a year while generating $20 million more in profits.

AOL hasn't totally neglected AIM. In fact, it overhauled the client in November and added a new iPhone app.

The Times said cuts are also expected at Patch.com, AOL's local news site.