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Instant Messaging in the office

September 19, 2006

A few months ago I wrote an article “Instant Messaging when you can’t install software” that has come in handy for me several times since.

About two years ago, our company invested in having a business version of AOL Instant Messenger available to the staff. (Very forward thinking.) The IT department installed AIM on PC for anyone that requested it.

Probably 40% of our staff use IM regularly to communicate internally and with vendors, clients and other agencies we work with. Certainly some people chat with family or friends, but I don’t believe that’s abused. Certainly better than having that employee chatting on the phone.

We were suprised to get a notice last week that the corporate policy on IM was being changed. Employees are no longer allowed to chat with non-employees. Reasons cited:

  • Many other companies do it
  • IM presents increased security risks
  • Client contracts and/or security assessments prohibiting use of IM due to security threats and privacy policies
  • Increased costs of supporting this technology

What’s particularly suprising is that Instant Messaging took years to gain respect as a new, useful tool for collaboration and communication. Now it’s becoming too risky for companies to manage.

-Roland



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