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.
