In today¡¯s advancement in global communication systems, the world is getting smaller. Business travelers can be in any location (with internet access) and still be in the same virtual domain as his/ her colleagues, customers, vendors, friends and families. Thanks to technologies like IM, every person will never be out of reach of their network loop even though they are 12,000 miles away.
Business communication
In multi lingual societies where business language differs from local language, tools like IM allow smooth real time communication between various parties. In these societies communication via IM allows time for them to read, process and then respond (face to face or over the phone communication do not allow this). This time pause requirement is very common in countries that do not use business language as a first language. An example is English as a second language in countries like China. In China, majority of the local population have better reading and writing skills compared to oral conversational skills. This is mainly due to the formal learning process without sufficient utilization of the language. Hence, in day to day business communication, tools like IM allows people to better understand requirements and respond accordingly.
Network Management
Traveling executives need to be in constant contact with their stakeholders and network at all times. These networks get us opportunities, deals, information and answers that otherwise will take up a lot of time and resources to obtain.
Electronic networking is a powerful, rapid, and inexpensive way to communicate and to exchange information. When networks are available, previously unanticipated collaboration seems to come into being almost spontaneously.
Generation gap
Communication via internet is the main communication tool in most new economic countries and economy fueled by younger work force. In an era where everyone strives to be online 24X7 and compete for online space, IM provides non-invasive method of communication. Hence, it is also the preferred communication choice for many.
Facts:
Group |
The percent of internet users in each group who are IM users (e.g. 62% of online Gen Y are IM users) |
Proportion of the IM population in each group (e.g. 31% of all IM-ers are Gen Y) |
Gen Y (ages 18 ¨C 27) |
62% |
31 |
Gen X (ages 28 ¨C 39) |
37 |
28 |
Trailing Boomers (ages 40-49) |
33 |
20 |
Leading Boomers (ages 50-58) |
29 |
12 |
Matures (ages 59-68) |
25 |
7 |
After Work (age 69+) |
29 |
3 |
Source: Pew Internet & American Life Project Tracking Survey, May-June 2004
Cost Savings
Traveling executives use vast amount of money on communication. IM provides the same solutions at almost no usage charge.
Instant messaging tool will reduce large budgets and approvals for extensive international travel which yield tangible economic benefits.
Conclusion
The role of IT is not to stop advancement of technology and/or limit the use of technology facility. Our job it to provide the best technology solutions and managing risks.
IM provides intangible advantage to the company and employees of the company. Therefore, on behalf of the company China¡¯s IT department I would like to formally request for a review of IM policy in IT and conduct a risk assessment.
The question I would pose is,
WHAT ARE THE SECURITY RISKS POSED BY IMs?
CAN WE REDUCE THE SECURITY RISK?
CAN WE INCREASE SECURITY IN ORDER TO REAP THE BENEFITS OF IMs IN THE WORKPLACE?
It is time for us to look at the other side of the coin. There is a whole new side to Instant Messengers than the side that constantly focusing on security risks. Instant Messenger carries businesses closer to their stakeholders, customers and vendors. It ultimately transports our communication to new level and provides the bridge where mobile phones, black berries and phonebooks can never bridge- Being in the same virtual room as everyone from any where.
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