IM's Missing Link Could Ease The Workflow
from the does-this-all-make-sense? dept
Among the various technologies I'm skeptical about, you can put corporate instant messaging and unified messaging near the top of the list. However, if the technologies are actually integrated well, there are some interesting possibilities. I've always said that corporate instant messaging doesn't benefit the end user at all (it just makes it worse). The only people it might benefit (and even that's questionable) is corporate IT staffs. However, this latest completely integrated offering gives some ideas of the more advanced features that might make companies find value in moving to a corporate IM solution. By integrating the IM with email and the phone, it has the potential to be a real productivity tool - if people actually use it. I'm on the fence, though, as to whether or not people will actually use it. It adds a layer of complexity to how you communicate, and it also will be seen by many as a way to for execs to spy on you during your workday. Plus, at $400/seat, it's on the insanely pricey side. If these features are really useful, others will develop them in the various free instant messaging offerings out there.
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No Subject Given
So if I need someone, I can either walk over to their cube, which is slow and not always fruitfull, or call them - which is always slow and can on occasion crash my computer.
If I had IM, and could have the people who I work closely with on some quick-reference directory, I think it would save me some time and increase both productivity and our daily interaction.
But if you tied IM into Groupwise, well it's just an extension of our current issues.
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Re: No Subject Given
Using IM in a corporate setting is very useful... but is it worth spending $400/seat, when you can just get everone to download Yahoo instant messenger?
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Re: No Subject Given
Over and out.
-G
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Re: No Subject Given
and for an address book their eGuide product...
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the problem with IM
You might IM someone to get some information and go back to work, but you might also get the information, and then someone will say "hey, how was that thing you did this weekend?" which will waste a lot of time.
And worst of all-- you have to take measures to save and organize your conversations.
Email is superior to IM in every work related way-- except goofing off.
I'm not above goofing off, but I prefer email for work.
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Re: the problem with IM
Also, email can be unweildy for certain bits of information that require a back-and-forth. I much prefer to use IM for those types of issues.
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Re: the problem with IM
Of course, that may mean goofing off more- but it may also mean more loyalty to a company. Studies have shown that relationships with co-workers are high on the list of reasons to stay.
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