Instant messaging for business: 3 packages tested

10 February 2003 12:20 PM

Tags: yahoo, technology, business, im, trillian, yim, instant, messaging



IBM Lotus Sametime 3.1

IM for business:
Introduction
Next-generation IM
Putting IM to work
IM still not secure
1. SCIM Enterprise Server
2. Lotus Sametime
3. Microsoft Exchange
Comparison
Sample scenario
About RMIT Labs

IBM/Lotus’ Sametime server runs on the Domino groupware platform, which provides the base for the system install. Domino is a complex system for the novice to install, but if you are already running Lotus Notes, you are almost there. If you are new to the Lotus suite of products, you may find the system a little strange at first, but the Domino package is a powerful base for a variety of groupware applications.

The great advantage of Domino is its extensibility. You can use Notes for e-mail, Domino.Doc for document management, Workflow for business management, and Sametime for messaging. You can even write your own business applications.

Sametime provides a simple interface to communicate within your organisation. You can schedule a meeting or have an ad-hoc get together, share your screen or programs, edit shared files, and deliver online presentations. There is even the option to connect to a WebSphere Translation Server so that language barriers can be broken down.

SameTime provides several extensions to allow even greater access to messaging on the move. The Sametime SIP Gateway supports SIMPLE. As other instant messaging vendors such as AOL and Microsoft begin to support SIMPLE, you will be able to connect your Sametime community with third-party SIP-enabled communities. IBM also offers SameTime Every Place (STEP), which provides WAP connectivity.

Product: Lotus Sametime
Price: AU$$39,800 (500 users)
Vendor: IBM Lotus Software
Phone: 13 24 26
Web: www.lotus.com/sametime

Interoperability: ½
Supports Windows, OS/400; Solaris and AIX support soon.

Futureproofing: ½
Will grow with the Domino groupware environment.

ROI:
Inexpensive for those who are already building on a Lotus infrastructure.

Service: ½
Warranty as per licence; e-mail, phone, and onsite support available.

Rating: ½

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Talkback 1 comments

  1. Jabber is a good solution. Not only is it an open standard, however, you can find many open source and even commercial solutions. See: http://www.jabber.org.au/ Anonymous -- 03/04/05

    Jabber is a good solution. Not only is it an open standard, however, you can find many open source and even commercial solutions.

    See: http://www.jabber.org.au/


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