Category: General

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General workplace

Which is Better, Text Messaging or Instant Messenger?

This is a question the crossed my mind while I was talking to a friend online about plans we have on Wednesday to go out to dinner. I decided that my answer to this question that I’m posing (“Which is Better, Text Messaging or Instant Messenger?”) depends on the situation.

When I’m at work, I like using my instant messenger because I like typing on a keyboard (I can type 65-70 words per minute), and I also can focus on work and other projects while having a conversation through the IM window. This allows me to communicate with co-workers or friends without decreasing my work efficiency and content output.

However, when I’m at home or on the go, I definitely like text messaging better. Like I’ve mentioned before, I have a Palm Pre, so the full QWERTY keyboard allows me to still type fast. Also, unlike using an instant messenger, most of the time, my contacts don’t expect an instant answer, allowing me to respond to their question or comment when it is necessary for me. Texting is also usually quick to the point and gets things done, whereas at work, I usually use IM for chatting or long conversations about projects.

What does everyone else think? Do you prefer texting over using an instant messenger?

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General Tips workplace

Saving on Travel Costs by Using an Enterprise IM Client

As the sky is gray and the clouds are filled with rain just outside my window today, it made me think about how I would hate to travel to a meeting in the pouring rain. This made me think about how businesses can use an enterprise IM client to dramatically cut down travel costs. Sure, once in a while, I think that it’s fun to take that 3-day trip to Chicago for a meeting, but that does take time away from friends, family, and pets. Besides the obvious cost, traveling can also be exhausting at times, because there are meetings to attend and flights to catch.

However, if you conduct your meetings using enterprise instant messaging, then you save the cost, time, and travel of going to meetings in other cities. Whereas a trip for one person to Chicago for 3 days would probably run a company at least $1000-1500, using an enterprise IM client is free, if you don’t take into consideration the subscription cost, which you are paying for anyway. Using voice chat, video chat, or group IM conversations, meetings can now be done electronically through the internet. This is the most efficient method of conducting meetings between people who are not in the same office or location.

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Announcements General

Brosix 3 BETA Has Been Released

As most of you loyal readers know, this blog is working in conjunction with Brosix in order to bring quality information and resources to those looking for information on hosted and secure instant messaging. Today,Brosix announced on its blog that the Brosix 3 BETA version has been released, with downloads available for Windows and Linux. I know that the Brosix developers are working hard on creating a version for Mac OS, and I’m sure that is next up on their list of important To-Dos.

While the Brosix 3 version doesn’t have ALL the features of the previous versions, the developers are working hard to ensure that the most important features for users are still successful in this new version. Here is a run down of the currentBrosix 3 features, as stated in a previous blog post-

“We have tried to select the most important features for Brosix 3:

* Text Chat
* Text Conference
* History – compared to Brosix 2.0 this contains information about all communication events, not only text chat which is the case with Brosix 2.0
* File Transfer
* Co-Browse – this uses improved and more user-friendly process.
* Screen-shot”

These are some of the most-used featured among Brosix users. Some of the features not included in this new version are:

* Whiteboard
* Screen Sharing
* Audio call
* Video call
* Voice Conference
* Voice Mail

These features are currently being re-designed with a efficient and more effective user experience in mind. To download and try the new version of Brosix 3 BETA, try: http://www.brosix.org/beta.shtml

For those who are business clients of Brosix, you can download the enterprise version here: http://www.brosix.com/beta.shtml

Categories
Announcements General News

Palm Pre Allows Mobile IM

Hey all, Just wanted to talk about my new Palm Pre that I got today with a new contract from Sprint. (I know this sounds like an advertisement, but it isn’t, I swear!) There were 3 things I wanted in a new cell phone- the ability to access the internet at all times, a QWERTY (computer layout) keyboard, and the ability to talk to my friends as much as I wanted, whether that be through unlimited text messaging or instant messaging.

Luckily, the Palm Pre has exceeded all my expectations. Not only does it have unlimited data (for web surfing) and text messaging, it also has the ability to add my AIM and Google Talk account so I can IM my friends, family, and co-workers even when I’m on the go.

Unfortunately, the Palm Pre doesn’t have one thing- secure instant messaging. You would think that a phone that has a completely original operating system (unique from the iPhone) would have more security, but unfortunately it (and almost all other phones) do not. Hopefully, one day all connections and communication channels that are used to send and receive information will be secure, but until then, I may sure that I don’t trade any confidential information using IM on my Palm Pre.

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General Tips workplace

When Other Forms of Communication Fail

One of the benefits of online communication (specifically instant messaging) is when other forms of communication fails, it is always an option. For me personally, I am much more inclined to respond quickly to a person’s IM then I am to their email or voicemail message. I suppose it is the “instant” component of IM that makes me so quick to respond. I feel that they are on the other side of their computer, anxiously awaiting me to answer them.

And because of this, you should learn to utilize hosted or secure instant messaging in your everyday life as well. If a person shows up as online, then you know they are usually using their computer and will immediately respond for your request. I’ve also found that instant messaging is good when I go to talk to a co-worker at their desk and found that they have stepped out for lunch or to use the bathroom. I go back to my computer and send them an IM instead of an email, because I know that it is probably the first thing they will see on their screen when they sit back down. This usually leads to an instant response the moment they are back at their desk. Think of IM as a more personal message service- this can increase communication turnaround and productivity.

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General Tips workplace

How IM Can Help You In This Economy

There are many ways that a hosted instant messaging client can help you in today’s economy, whether you are unemployed or not. If you  ARE employed, of course you can use a hosted IM program to help you communicate with your co-workers, employees, and supervisors, along with clients. If you are unemployed, however, you can still used secure IM to your advantage. Even though you may not have a full-time job, you can use IM to network with acquaintances, colleagues, and others. You’ll never know what someone knows someone else who can give you the recommendation, tip, or introduction you need in order to secure the job of your dreams!

Communication skills are crucial in ANY job field, and instant messaging can only improve your communication (and typing!) skills. Since I have started using instant messaging on a daily basis, my typing speed (words per minute) has only improved. I can now almost type 70 words per minute! Being able to practice my typing every day only keeps my accuracy and speed up to date. So, in conclusion, if you have former co-workers and employers on your IM list, keep them on there. You’ll never know when they will think of you for a job opening they heard of!

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General Tips workplace

A Short History of Security

An article about secure instant messagingthat I dug up on PCMag’s website from 2004 shows how far secure instant messaging has come. The article talks about getting a security certificate for about $14.95  that can run alongside AIM or possibly another instant messaging program. But with Brosix, you don’t have worry about installing another (separate) security certificate to run alongside it. It is already heavily and securely encrypted for all over your personal and private online communication.

It is interesting how technology such as encrypting instant messaging has come such a long way. It is important to remember that technology will continuously be developing and evolving as long as users have a need for it and different ways to use said technology are evolving just as fast alongside it. I think that telephones will continue to be used less and less as instant messaging becomes a more accepted method of communication.

I believe that as hosted and secure instant messaging continues to develop, that all instant messaging programs, free or not, will all use encryption in order to protect their users. I also believe that users will soon demand to have encrypted conversations and other transactions (file transfers, audio chats, etc.) in the instant messaging programs. On the same hand, once companies realize the importance encryption all online and digital communication is for their business, I’m sure that they will be jumping on the bandwagon too!

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General Links Tips

Should You Integrate?

One of the biggest movements of all the encompasses “Web 2.0”  these days is a major focus on integration. This includes adding links to all of your (or your business) social media profiles onto your main website or chat profile. But the big question I have often wondered is- Is it all necessary?

I definitely think, depending on what industy you are in and how you use your social media, IM, and website, definitely translate into whether or not social media and Web 2.0 integration will help your business or individual visibility.

“So how can I use my social media profiles to help my business?” you may ask. Well, I’m going to tell you:

  • Keep them updated. Chances are, if a potential (or current) customer has added you to their social media networks, then they want to stay updated. Post new products, promotions, or news to keep customers intriged.
  • Reach out. Adding potential and current customers as “friends” on Facebook or following them on Twitter.
  • Make your profiles visible. To create a free page with all your profiles listed, you can use Extendr (to see how it looks, here is my personal extendr profile). You can also use free eye-catching social media graphics on your home page, like the variety found on MySocialButtons, or by searching ‘social media buttons’ or ‘social media icons’ on your favorite search engine.
  • Make your content easy to share. Use the AddThis widget to end all of your blog posts (free, as used on this blog) to make it easy for others to share your content.
  • Fill IM profiles with links. If you use a secure IM client (or even a free client) to chat with clients or employees, add a few social media profile links to drive traffic.
Categories
General Tips workplace

Mobile Communication

One of the best things about using a hosted IM client is that you can use it anywhere. Brosix IM can be downloaded to a .zip drive so it can be stored on a flash drive, but you can also download your IM program to your home computer so you are still able to communicate with clients and co-workers if you need to telecommute. This greatly reduces the probably hesitation and anxiety that comes with the decision to work from home or not. If you are able to stay in contact with others from the office using IM, then your boss is able to be aware that you are actually working. You will save a sick or vacation day and actually be able to get some work done!

No more going into work when you are getting sick because you don’t want to take any Paid Time Off (PTO). IM allows you to telecommunate and thus reduce the chances of others in your office getting sick because of you. Explain to your boss that this may actually SAVE your company money, as others will not have to stay home because they are sick.

Secure instant messaging client programs are also great if you are traveling- you can talk with clients and co-workers from your hotel room and the airport, if wireless internet is available. IM is the mobile communication solution for busy professionals!

Categories
General Tips

File Transfers

One of the reasons why file transfers are a great attribute to hosted IM programs is the fact that they are secure and save time. It usually takes less time to upload and send a file through a secure IM window in a program like Brosix then to open up your email program or window, attach the document, type out the email address of the recipient, and then, finally, send the email. A lot of work for one little file transfer!

Depending on the size of the file, it may take some time to send, but during this time, you are still able to have a conversation with your co-worker or friend while the file is being uploaded and made available for him or her to transfer and save to their own computer. When I was working full-time in a marketing department, we did this a few times and it really did save a lot of time, especially since our work email had to go through a company server and was sometimes delayed by ten minutes or more. Additionally, even though this was corporate email, it still wasn’t completely secure. Having a secure IM client can really ease some of these fears.