Instant Messaging Backlash?
In many organizations, instant messaging (IM) is becoming an increasingly popular internal communication channel. Some companies, however, are beginning to deploy technology that blocks employees from using IM with anyone other than company employees. Why? Concerns over security, that IM can become a distraction, and that employees may be using the tool for personal use.
Are such moves sound protocols or needless restraint? Patrick Houston of CNET Asia has a perspective, which he illustrates here in Boss, don't take away my IM. A highlight:
Given a choice between communicating by phone or IM, I opt for IM. It's more efficient. A typical IM conversation dispenses with specious pleasantries and gets to the point, expressed more concretely and clearly in writing than verbally. Plus, it's easy to pass along URLs and other bits of text that would be unwieldy on the phone.Read the rest ...But those aren't the only reasons I question conventional corporate wisdom when it comes to IM ...