WHAT IS INSTANT MESSAGING?
What makes instant messaging the fastest growing technology on the Internet? Like email, it allows you to communicate with other people. But like a phone call, you communicate in real-time. Using instant messaging, or simply IM, you can instantly see if your friends are online. If they are, you can send them a quick message and start communicating in real time. IM makes it easy and fun to keep in touch with your friends.
GETTING STARTED
What do you need to get started? Well, first you need to choose an instant messaging program. AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) and MSN Messenger are two of the most popular, and there are many more to choose from. Best of all, they are FREE!
Not sure which instant messaging software to pick? Check with your friends and find out what they use. If you want to chat with them, using the same IM software will make it easy. Some instant messengers allow you to communicate with friends using other IM products. If this is interesting to you, check out our IM interoperability matrix.
Next: Setting Up Your Account
I’d be remiss to not mention that enterprise versions exist. Google “enterprise instant messaging” or look on BigBlueBall – I work for Brosix, which is one of the best in my opinion, but several exist!
Nation, you are absolutely correct — enterprise IM is a whole category in itself. I’m thinking a similar list devoted to enterprise IM applications is in order!