Daily IT Matters [DIM]

Management and Security Considerations for Instant Messaging in the Workplace Introduction Over the past several years, instant messaging (IM) has evolved from a tool used almost exclusively by computer experts and systems administrators into an everyday communication mechanism for business users. Technology research firm the Radicati Group estimates that in 2004, 13.9 billion IM messages were sent per day, with an increasing number of these used for business collaboration. [1] Clearly, increasing numbers of businesses are realizing that real-time communications such as IM can help streamline communications and save consider­able time and money. As instant messaging technology is embraced by information workers and their organizations, it is important that system administrators and information technology (IT) professionals within these organizations recognize both the value and the potential risks posed by this new technology. Businesses must ensure that, like every other technology ...