I've been meaning to write about this for a while. A recent ComputerWorld article about an AIM virus had an absolutely jaw-dropping statement in it:
"Fundamentally, many businesses will have to ask their staff if they really need IM for their day-to-day work, and if not, it may be more sensible to take it away," [an anti-virus company employee] said. "We're certainly seeing more instant messaging malware being written, although they haven't yet had the same kind of impact as email-aware worms or Internet worms."
What? IM is absolutely entrenched in many workplaces; taking it away would result in employee revolts and severe loss of productivity. I am really hoping that comment was made about an alternate reality because I don't think it could seriously have been made about this reality.
There are ways to avoid the IM worms/spim problems, most notably, by choosing a non-public IM system. I should know, I run one. :) Even if you need a public IM system, there are tools for controlling and monitoring use of those systems. Security is critical in business, but tossing out IM isn't the answer.
I'll take IM over email any day, but I'm not going to be so [insert adjective here] as to suggest email should be removed from the workplace.
Today I was trying out Bitwise - got it to work on my Lan between two computers in one on one and conference modes with white board. I think it is really neat. I'm recommending it to my friends too. I haven't tried to send files or use the Voice Talk yet. I had a brief question or observation.
Is anyone working on "plugins" for Bitwise?
I wonder if it is possible that the Professional version could have an iconic voting system added to the Conference Room? It would seem to be a natural progression which would be of interest to groups using it to come to a decision.
Icons for Yes, No, Abstain. Maybe a total for each?
What do you think?
There's no plugin architecture, hence no plugins. Cross-platform plugins would be a trick.
A voting mechanism for conferences is an interesting idea! It would be really great if you could post the voting idea in the New Feature Ideas / Requests forum so it can be tracked and discussed--it's likely to get lost here on the blog. Thanks!
That fellow doesn't get out much! Every office I visit there is 1 type of IM or another! Even if the boss doesn't allow an IM, there are often IM anyway. :)