You've probably been using it for years to chat with friends or others in the industry. But there's a huge difference between using chat at home and allowing users in your organisation access to instant messenging.
Are you comfortable with staff in the organisation where you work having unlimited access to instant messenging? Do you restrict the types of instant messenging programs that they can download and use?
Often aspects surrounding confidentiality of information and complying with regulatory requirements have been seen to be the domain of business managers and the CEO.
Likewise, who makes the decision about restricting instant messaging use is also a tough one.
However, with these programs providing another possible way in which information can be leaked to the outside world, the IT department soon becomes involved. It's a fine line to tread -- you've got to ensure that the organisation is protected, but you don't want to hamper employees' ability to do their jobs effectively. Not to mention the issues surrounding 'listening' to employee's conversations. Do you treat it in the same way as the monitoring of e-mail or phone calls?
While the benefits and problems of messaging aren't new, they are getting increased attention for companies grappling with how to manage the issue.
How do you weigh up the benefits of the technology, against the problems that can result if security is breached? Who should be making the decision about whether employees are allowed to use instant messaging in your organisation? Talkback below or e-mail your comments to itmanager@zdnet.com.au.
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