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?

These are the 2 ways that seasons affect the amount of time I spend (and how I spend) my time online-
–mood: Since I am in a better mood overall during the spring, fall, and summer, I tend to be more social and helpful overall to the co-workers and business associates I talk to online.
–usage: As I stated earlier, if the weather is nicer, I’m much more likely to be outside, instead of being stuck inside on the computer. Even though this may not always be the case during working hours, I am more likely to take sometime off to vacation during the nicer months.

Do seasons affect your online, internet, and instant messaging use?

Communication has reached an entirely new level with the invention of the internet and later, instant messaging. Now it is simple to communicate with people from all around the world. This has brought all different businessmen and women from the corners of the globe together to create new business ventures, increase revenue, and come up with bigger and better ideas. 

This could not be achieved without the invention of instant messaging. IM has now become vital for communicating with others internationally. It is affordable, easy to use, and readily available. Whether your IM need are just a free program for occasional use or an enterprise IM program to ensure the security of your workplace communication, there are plethora of developers out there that have many options available.

Type in ‘enterprise IM’ or ‘hosted instant messaging’ into a search engine, and you’ll end up with thousands of hits. The point being, instant messaging just isn’t about teens talking to their friends online after school anymore- it is a serious business tool that provides business owners, managers, freelancers, and international entrepreneurs with an easy and reliable outlet of communication. The future of instant messaging seems to be uncertain, but whatever it is, you can be sure that it will continue to be a vital business communication tool.

Because instant messaging has evolved so much in the past 20-30 years, one has to ask- where can it go next?

Well, that answer is easy. With internet communication comes a whole new flock of viruses, corrupt file transfers, and strangers sending you and your employees instant messages with links that take you to sites that host malware or worse. Basic instant messaging just isn’t going to cut it anymore, especially in the corporate world. This is where hosted and enterprise instant messaging comes in. A secure encrypted network (like the ones remotely hosted by Brosix) is the next logical step to secure all communication that is sent electronically, even though it is through instant messaging. 

It’s a sad fast that no internet communication is safe from hackers or others trying to corrupt your systems, computers, and networks, but developers are stepping up the plate to provide alternatives that will make companies and organizations feel more comfortable with their employees using instant messaging.

Enterprise instant messaging is on the horizon, in my opinion, of being a main type of communication for more than just teenagers. It is a great secure communication resource that can be used to interface with employees, co-workers, clients, and anyone else who would like to communicate without fear of viruses, unknown file transfers, or being inundated with advertisements and gadgets that the working professional has no need for.

With the IM abbreviations like  ‘OMG’ (oh my gosh/God), ‘JK’ (just kidding), and ‘LOL’ (laugh out loud) now being used in some people’s everyday spoken vocabulary, instant messaging has shown to be at the pinnacle of instant online digital communication.

Secure and hosted instant messaging programs for your workplace or organization is a great idea, for many reasons. Some of these include increased productivity (employees do not have to walk across the building to ask a question), instant response to questions/comments (if the person who has received the IM is at their desk), and a great way to share files and ideas without having to rely on sometimes faulty e-mail servers or slow processing times.

Welcome to the Hosted IM Spot. Let me know if you have any questions by e-mailing me at [email protected] or by AIM at kelsey7820. Thanks!