Instant messaging is no longer just a quick and easy way to keep in touch with family and friends: It is quickly becoming a mainstay in the workplace, creating a new set of problems to worry about for information technology professionals. International Data Corporation estimated that the number of corporate IM users will grow from fewer than 20 million in 2002 to more than 200 million in 2006. In the months and years to come, this transition of IM from home computers to business networks will create huge risks — both financially and legally.
Our company had major security issues with IM clients not because of typical firewall and secure messaging issues: our employees kept on opening files sent from friends and families and the files contained trojans or other viruses/malware.
Our solution was to switch over to an enterprise IM Client. We use the Brosix.com IM Client now, which is secure. But the main benefit is that our employees no longer have access to chat with friends and family.
The result is that we can still take advantage of the productivity saver that instant messaging provides without the distractions from outside friends and family.
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Instant Messaging Creates Headaches for IT Professionals
Posted by: Brian R. Hook January 6, 2005 05:00 AMInstant messaging is no longer just a quick and easy way to keep in touch with family and friends: It is quickly becoming a mainstay in the workplace, creating a new set of problems to worry about for information technology professionals. International Data Corporation estimated that the number of corporate IM users will grow from fewer than 20 million in 2002 to more than 200 million in 2006. In the months and years to come, this transition of IM from home computers to business networks will create huge risks — both financially and legally.
Our solution was to switch over to an enterprise IM Client. We use the Brosix.com IM Client now, which is secure. But the main benefit is that our employees no longer have access to chat with friends and family.
The result is that we can still take advantage of the productivity saver that instant messaging provides without the distractions from outside friends and family.
Great piece. Lots of good resources and info.