Chat can make a Web site less static and more dynamic. To read more on networking services and service providers, download Gartner's full report or visit our Product Analysis center. Gartner gives several compelling reasons why businesses should use chat. Building communities Gartner also suggests that chat can build customer communities increasing a customer's sense of ownership and compelling them to return. Scheduled chats, for example, have the potential to attract prospective customers who can discuss their experiences and share opinions.
Companies also have the ability to incorporate advertising into chat rooms.
Chat on the intranet Chat sessions can also be held on a corporate intranet to improve communications and collaboration. Supervisors, for example, can schedule team meetings in a chat room with passwords required before employees can participate. Weighing the risks and expense Gartner also outlines several risks that businesses may experience with the use of chat software to reach consumers. The most damaging is customer resentment. Gartner suggests that some Web site visitors may not welcome a chat window that offers them assistance, or they may be concerned that the use of a chat session will compromise their anonymity.