Instant Messaging when you can’t install software

Shhh! Don’t tell the IT guy!

Tip: Instant Messaging when you can’t install software. IM with your Web browser instead!

In recent years, company IT departments have cracked down on letting end users install software on company computers. It’s justified, since administrators are tasked to make sure the company complies with software licensing agreements. Also, giving employees too much freedom to install software eventually leads to computers that may experience decreased performance and lead to significant downtime for employee and administrator to fix. Not to mention the risk of introducing virus’ and other malware into the network.

If you really need AIM, and you can’t convince your company IT dept to install IM software, check out these apps that work in your Web browser:

• Meebo
  Platforms: AOL/AIM, ICQ, Jabber, GTalk (Google Talk), Yahoo!, MSN
• eMessenger
  Platforms: AOL/AIM, MSN, Yahoo!
• AIM Express
  Platforms: AOL/AIM

Personally, I enjoy using Meebo, especially since I can aggregate several IM platforms within a single login. Additionally, you can create a Meebo Me mini chat application on your Web pages and have your Web site visitors IM you.

What are your thoughts? Please post your suggestions. Thanks.
-Roland

Roland Reinhart is an interactive marketing professional. His observations can be found at Chaos365.com and AdMadMan.com.

©2006 Roland Reinhart. All Rights Reserved.