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Instant messaging over the Internet began in the early 1970’s in
the university environment that made up most of the Internet
community at that time. With the advent of substantial public
access to the “world wide web” beginning in the 1990’s, it really
came of age. Now, businesses are beginning to recognize the
benefits of instant communication incorporating a written record.
Encryption algorithms, “trusted partner” arrangements, and
firewalls are addressing the problems of security and privacy with
the medium. As these protocols become better developed and more
widespread, corporate adoption of the software is expected to
skyrocket.
One company believes that instant messaging will be essential to
stockbrokers, and is developing software to address that market.
This system will require that names and passwords be assigned by
an authorized systems administrator. Second, it will allow access
only from designated computers. Third, all communication is
recorded and remains completely within the corporate firewall.
Another company is taking a different approach and developing an
“overlay” system that would provide security to the users, but
allow transmission over any of the instant messaging protocols.
Others are that would incorporate messages into images that are
transmitted over the Internet, opening up markets for architects,
designers, doctors, and other professionals who rely on graphical
presentations to convey significant information.
The complete article is available for purchase from The Economist;
search for “Instant messaging joins the firm.”
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