IBM Corporation: The Business Value Of Instant Messaging Collaboration

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IBM Corporation: The Business Value of Instant Messaging Collaboration


Instant Messaging (IM) is growing rapidly within the enterprise because of its effectiveness as a communication tool. The key benefit of instant messaging is presence, which provides users the ability to know that a person is available and able to “talk”. This capability significantly increases personal productivity and reduces costs because people are able to communicate rapidly with each other at the precise moment when they need the information. There is also a security risk as ports are permanently open leaving many networks vulnerable to attacks.

Why have many companies been reluctant to support instant messaging in the workplace?

Not having a handle on the information that flows into and out of the company is a frightening situation for any IT manager. I think most companies think it’s a complete diversion from work. It’s a distraction. Intent messaging also opens up certain ports that make your network vulnerable. Unlike corporate E-mail, which is password-protected and archived, administered, and managed by a company's IT department, consumer IM apps reside on the user's hard drive and are not safeguarded by a corporate firewall. IT managers can't screen or monitor the information that's being transmitted. Some companies don't want to expend internal technical support resources to troubleshoot IM problems, such as the application's interference with another app's performance.

What are the advantages of instant messaging over e-mail and voice mail for enterprise collaboration?
Companies are using IM not only to send real-time messages, but also to collaborate on projects, exchange data and create networks linking all types of Internet devices. Many companies that once resisted IM for security and other reasons are now embracing the technology. This has created new business opportunities for major companies that range from...