A Corporate Chaperon For Instant Messaging

摘要

Although it isn't as widespread as email, corporate instant messaging (IM) usage is real. "Right now, IM is present in about 90 percent of corporations," says Michael Osterman, principal analyst for Black Diamond, WA-based Osterman Research. What is most alarming, adds Osterman is that "most IM use is outside the view of IT management." Accordingly, corporations must now bring instant messages under control just like any other type of company content. Organizations have generally chosen one of three solutions: secure private enterprise IM clients, managed use of public clients through a network gateway or outright blockage of all IM usage.