Enterprise Instant Messaging Overview

If you run a business, you have a certain way you do business. In the past, you communicated with your co-workers and subordinates by way of a memo or some other written device. When you wrote a letter to a certain person in the company, you had to write the letter, place it in an envelope, address it to the party to receive it, and put in the interoffice correspondence slot or mail holder. Eventually email replaced paper. Now there is a new form of communication that companies are embracing. This is instant messaging. Why instant messaging? Well, let’s take a look at some of the functions of IM and see why it is so popular.

 

·        Basic text mode: You have basic text mode between users. This means that both sides can easily read each others messages without the text being translated. This is important when talking back and forth, especially in an important meeting.

·        Voice ability: In some situations you may want to communicate with each other by voice. This is a feature that is included with IM. All you need is a mike, have it installed, and enable it.

·        Video on demand: With technology the way it is today, IM provides for video. This way if you have a meeting going on and you want the other side to see what is happening (like in a conference room), having video would work. If you have the computer in a conference room, you really don’t have any need for a special set up. Everything is right there. But if you aren’t in a conference room, you would need to get a video camera or Webcam for your PC.

·        File transfers: You have the ability to send files from your location to another by simply choosing the file upload and download feature.

·        Sharing applications: If you are working on a certain project that requires you and the other party to open and view the same document, you can because every IM has this ability built-in.

·        Chat rooms: There are even features such as chat rooms where you can go and chat with your other workmates or discuss important matters with others.