iWire notes in reviewing a study of instant messaging in the workplace that the main use of IM was ‘complex work discussions’. There are some methodological difficulties with the study (the software studied was new and about half of users worked at AT & T). But leaving that aside I can’t help thinking that if true this heavy use of IM for work is Not A Good Thing.
If work-related electronically-mediated conversation moves from email to IM, an important “record trail” may be lost. Email can be filed into folders by subject, keyword searched etc. IM in most systems simply disappears once it is typed unless one or the other party saves the transcript.
If businesses do implement IM, it may therefore be important to include some kind of automatic logging function as well as monitoring it for legal reasons if needed.
P.S. The Hubbub IM software that was tested in the study has some interesting new features using sound and giving more information on what other users are doing. Nice to see some new ideas!fast cash loan payday site advanceadvance simple payday personal loan cashquick cash advance credit loan paydayloan cash personal personal advancebusiness programs q affiliate loansagriculture real estate loanalabama loan debt consolidation mortgagesecond loan mortgage alabamagovernment loans debt consolidation alaskaonline personal alaska loan fastaccount card credit merchant texas bestfederal actors union com creditcard account account credit merchant californiaboards accreditationcertificate accredited online coursescourses accounting online accreditedinterest 15 cards no credit moford michigan long credit al Map
