Instant
messaging
Introduction
Depending
on how you use the Internet, the technology can improve your efficiency
and productivity or drain your company’s resources and waste valuable
time. Instant messaging represents one instance of new Internet
technology that
can be both a burden and a blessing. In keeping with the rapid pace of
the modern world where email has all but replaced the conventional
letter or phone call, Instant Messaging may do away with the need for
ordinary conversation. While it may not replace casual water cooler type
chat Instant Messaging can provide a platform for everything from tech
support to communicating with relatives without huge long distance bills
or an inefficient use of time.
Following increased consumer involvement
with the Internet and proprietary communication services offered by AOL,
CompuServe, Prodigy, and others a new program called ICQ heralded the
first free Instant Messaging client. By installing the communication
client and signing on with a userID and password, users received real
time information on friends and contacts also signed onto the system.
Message transaction took place through a proprietary protocol which
directed messages to a server which then routed them to the appropriate
IP address and port number of the intended receiver. Users then
establish a veritable direct link to their contacts by clicking on any
given contact and conversing in text messages back and forth. Later ISP
giant AOL designed its own Instant Messaging program using the same
basic format for communication as ICQ and every other IM client. Due to
its built-in client base of AOL subscribers, the new program quickly
outpaced pioneer ICQ to become the most popular tool for sending Instant
Messages. All the current IM programs perform basically the same
functions with a few special features enabled for each system. MSN
Messenger comes preinstalled with Windows XP and actually requires some
effort to remove, however this program offers the best support for real
time voice conversations when both parties involved use a microphone and
speakers/headphones. AOL IM, or AIM, offers a java-based program which
does not require the downloading or installation of software thereby
offering infinite access points for mobile users. AIM also became the
first Instant Messaging program licensed to cell phone companies for
inclusion in their digital products. In response to the incredibly large
Instant Messaging community, programs like OMNI and Trillian offer users
a method to consolidate and manage user accounts from all the various
providers in one simple interface.
Conclusions
For all its convenience and cost saving
benefits however, Instant Messaging also provides a distraction and a
departure from productivity. Employers should take steps to limit or
prevent its use through (monitoring, port blocking etc.). The technical
support implications and ability to globally communicate without phones
do not yet override the overwhelming side effects of vulnerability and
insecure programming in the office environment. All the service
providers admit to a certain degree of privacy and encryption, but cases
of stolen user information and unsolicited advertising such as
pornography related websites can and do occur.
Recommendations
q
Establish and
document corporate policy regarding Instant Messaging in the workplace
q
Monitor
employee computer and Instant Messaging usage to prevent abuse
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