If I'm away from my desk, or don't want to be interrupted, I can leave a message saying where I've gone, or when I'll be back. People sending me a message will get the message I've posted and be given the option of leaving the instant message to wait for me, or of sending it by regular e-mail. If I respond to a message, the sender and I can engage in a real-time conversation. If we need to, we can invite others into the conversation. PeopleLink does not support the exchange of documents, but some instant messaging services do.
Instant messaging is a rapidly developing technology, and is becoming more and more sophisticated.
If we become more sophisticated we will try to help keep you up to date. We encourage you to experiment with setting up your own instant messaging workgroups. Take a look at PC Magazine's reviews of eight instant messaging programs.