Thursday, September 27, 2012

The Development of Business Instant Messaging



 Even as recent as a few years ago, the use of instant messaging clients by employees in the workplace were strictly prohibited by supervisors and managers. However, once business owners began to realize the power behind instant messaging as a communication tool, they learned that it may be more that just a waste of company time. IM can actually increase productivity, employee team cohesion, and the  efficiency of communication.

At first, supervisors began to allow employees to download instant messenger programs like AIM and Yahoo! Talk. However, as important or confidential data began to be traded through this new channel of workplace communication, companies began to worry about the instant messenger security.

This is where  corporate  messenger systems come in. They provide secure instant messaging by encrypting all conversations, data, and file transfers that take place. This is achieved by allowing businesses to download an enterprise instant messaging client that is kept on a secure server.

As more and more businesses make secure instant messaging a priority, hosted instant messaging clients will continue to grow in popularity. Besides encrypting all data and conversations, many programs allow managers and supervisors to oversee their employee's accounts using an online account manager. From this database,  they can add new employees, remove employees, view employee conversations,  and much more. This may ease the fears of many business owners who worry that their employees will use instant messaging to talk to friends or others not affiliated with the company.

The goal behind enterprise instant messaging programs is to provide the flexibility to communicate online instantly, while still providing security and control due to the confidential nature that is crucial to most business's profits. Many hosted IM programs offer free trials and can be found online. Try out several different interfaces, programs, and options before deciding which is best for your individual company.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

How to Download Instant Messenger Programs Safely




In an ideal world, it would be great if every program that was downloaded was completely safe and no one had to worry about the program containing a virus or Trojan. However, in the real world, this simply isn't the case. Malicious computer hackers will use whatever means necessary to gain access into home computers through viruses posing as safe and legitimate programs, like instant messenger   clients. Some hackers use these programs to collect personal information, allowing them to steal a user's identity and wrecking havoc on their credit. Below are some steps to take in order to ensure that users download instantmessenger programs that are safe and credible.

Research Ahead of Time
Before you download instant messenger clients, be sure to do a lot of research. Only download instant messenger clients who have all the components you need and will use almost every day. Make a short list of what you are looking for and try to stick with it when you decide which program to choose.

Company You Trust
It's important to remember to only download instant messenger programs that have good reviews from the users that have a lot of experience with them. User reviews are also great because they allow you to find out bugs or flaws that may come from every day use of the client.

Verified Download
After you have located a IM client to download, make sure you either download it from the creator's website itself or from a trusted download site like CNET. To make sure that it is safe, look for an icon that says it is verified, certified, or has been 100% tested for viruses by an independent resource.

Virus Scan
Finally, after the .exe file has downloaded, have your virus scanner check the file to make sure that a virus isn't embedded into it.

Once you have completely downloaded your IM program, use it and make sure you provide feedback both to the developer and the user community. They will appreciate your feedback and put it to good use.