Unsafe online communication can come in forms other than what is traditionally thought of as dangerous. It can include bullying or using information that is obtained during instant messaging conversations to blackmail a co-worker or acquaintance. 

No matter where you are using instant messaging (whether it is hosted or not), it is crucial to always pay attention to what you are saying. Do not trash your company, other co-workers, or pass on gossip that may not be true. This may come back to bite you, as some companies that have hosted messaging programs also have the ability to view, read, and monitor their users’ conversations. 

The bottom line is, do not write anything online that can come back to bite you! This is the cardinal rule of online communication. Instant messaging, e-mails, blogs, and anything else that you write online that can be traced back to you is important to your online image. Co-workers, bosses, and anyone else can find these electronic records. And if they are demeaning, malicious, or negative, it can affect your job, relationships, and lifestyle. Always be careful and remember, if it was written about you, how would you feel?

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!