But in fact, it has a great business use as well. One of the hottest Internet technologies today, instant messaging alerts users when their family, friends and colleagues are online and allows them to exchange messages in real-time. If you aren't already using this convenient and free technology in your business, it may be time to take a look. Instant messages could be your communication of choice. Unlike email, instant messages don't need to be downloaded from a mail server and then opened.
Messages show up as soon as they are sent, typically in some kind of dialog box.
Plus, you can use instant messaging technology to know when your colleagues or employees are online. With some technologies, you can even tell if they are actually using their computer or they are away from their desk. Saves money Instant messaging services are free, and fast and easy to download. To have instant messaging in your company, employees need nothing more than an Internet browser and a tiny amount of storage space on their hard drives. Some instant message software applications are not able to pass through corporate firewalls.