Instant Messaging: Benefits and Threats for Business
Instant messaging (IM) is a fact of life in 75% of small to medium-sized businesses today and is expected to be as common as email by 2009.
In some industries, IT departments and business leaders who recognize its value have deployed IM deliberately. In others, employees have been the initiators—downloading free IM software such as AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) or MSN Messenger onto their desktops without the knowledge or consent of their employers. As a result, IM is mismanaged in many organizations, with decision-makers unaware of the extent of its use or the benefits and security issues it has already brought into the workplace.
This paper discusses the benefits IM brings to business today, in the form of improved communication, collaboration, efficiency, and cost savings. It also outlines IM threats and the security issues business leaders should be aware of so they can take the necessary steps to protect their organizations.
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