You are currently browsing the archives for June, 2009.

Picking the Best Instant Messenger User Name

posted in: Uncategorized (Tags: , ) - 2 Comments

22.06.09 8:12 pm

One of the most important details when it comes to setting up an instant messaging account might be one of the most overlooked. However, it is your first impression in the IM world and it needs to be your best foot forward. Of course, I am talking about choosing the best user name.

For business IM accounts, it is crucial to use your full or first name, if it is available. In fact, many enterprise instant messaging clients often don’t allow you to choose a screen name and just use your full or first name, if it is available. However, for IM accounts that are being used on a free IM client, like AIM, it is important to chose a user name that is professional.

For example, names like “hotbabe09″ or “loves2party” will certainly bring the wrong impression to perspective clients and supervisors. They may not take you seriously or what’s worse, they may think that you don’t take yourself seriously. My screen name is my first name is a few numbers behind it- kelsey7820. While this isn’t an ideal screen name (ideal would probably be kelseychildress or kelseyc), it is somewhat professional and I’m not afraid to use it with clients and co-workers.

Video Chat & IM= Lifesaver?

posted in: General, Links, News (Tags: , , ) - 36 Comments

20.06.09 2:34 am

I went and saw The Taking of Pelham 123 today with my boss and my co-workers (his treat), where we got to eat lunch in a private suite while watching the movie. It was so fun, and the movie is great. But, of course, I have found a way to tie in hosted instant messaging with a hit summer blockbuster. :)

One of the hostages, Gio, is shown early in the film talking to his girlfriend on a wireless connect with video chat on his laptop computer. Later, when the train is taken hostage, the laptop continues to stay on and serves as surveillance  for the cops, as the criminals aren’t aware that it is on.

That got me thinking…. was the video chat feature a lifesaver for all of those hostages? Maybe I’m stretching it a little, but it certain made me think about all the different ways that technology can be used and how crucial and important it can be, even saving lives. There are news stories every day of people saving and helping other people through technology- in chat rooms, and other places.

Perhaps I will go into more detail about that in another post. :) There are so many good (and bad) stories of using technology to help others

Have a good weekend everyone!

Instant Info You Need To Know

posted in: Communication, News, Tips (Tags: , , ) - 6 Comments

12.06.09 11:18 pm

Besides providing a resource for instant communication, IM can always be used for several other purposes.  Many companies use IM for question and answer sessions between employees, but IM can also be used to spread news and vital information that people need to know.

Due to the changing economy, there are more and more breaking news stories every day. Because some of these may be pertinent to your business or industry, you can use instant messaging to communicate relevant news links and other information that they may need to see.

For example, whenever I want to show one of my co-workers a great link, I just send it in an instant message. Then, this can spark conversation about the article that may give us some great ideas for projects or how to develop an idea to make it stand out from the crowd.

I believe that staying up-to-date, with what is happening around the world and in your industry specifically, is the best way to stay ahead of the competition and make sure that your company thinks of things first. No matter what the industry, from carpet cleaning to wildlife conservation, it pays to stay abreast of current events and what’s happening that’s relevant to your company.

How to Make IM Fun

posted in: General, Tips (Tags: , , ) - 3 Comments

07.06.09 3:52 am

Even though hosted and secure instant messaging is probably considered to be the “serious” side of IM, there are many fun features that can make even “business” programs entertaining. One of the most fun features of my favorite secure instant messaging program, Brosix, is whiteboard. It is sort of like a collaborative Microsoft “Paint” program where everyone can draw, sketch, and color in ideas. For a visual learner and creative person like me, I really enjoy using it.

Another fun feature of secure instant messaging programs is file transfers. Whenever I find a really funny picture online or I get one as a forward in my email inbox. Using file transfer makes it really easy to share files (like pictures) in a matter of no time. And even though I use a hosted IM client to talk with my co-workers and clients, there’s no reason why I can’t use a secure client for talking with my mom, brother, and close friends! With so many hackers and people in the internet just waiting around to hack into consumers’ computers. Most of the time, these hackers do it for fun. I can’t believe it! And with this age of growing and developing technology, hacking is getting easier then ever, especially for people who have something to gain.

So, just remember, even thought you can use hosted IM to have fun, just remember that it will also be there to protect you and your personal data.

Is Texting a Mobile Version of IM?

posted in: Communication, General (Tags: , , , , , ) - 3 Comments

03.06.09 5:53 pm

In this day and age, texting  seems to be the most popular form of mobile secure communication. But, is it the mobile version of hosted instant messaging? I’m going to explore the ways that texting is, and isn’t, the best way to take IM on the go.

Texting IS a form of mobile hosted instant messaging:

  • You can have private conversations with one person (or multiple people) at a time
  • It allows you to mobilize communication, without the requirement of large data downloads or internet use time.
  • Is possible a fast way to get answers

Texting IS NOT a form of mobile hosted instant messaging:

  • The person may not answer right away as they are busy, whereas with IM, you know if they are available or not, for the most part.
  • Costs more, depending on your cell phone plan
  • Cannot send large files to most cell phones
  • Usually takes more time to type

A good middle ground is the fact that there are some phones that allow some chat programs to be loaded onto it, such as AIM. However, these programs do use internet access and/or airtime, so an unlimited internet or data plan is best. I have AIM on my iPod Touch, and while typing does take a while to get used to, I could see myself using it on an iPhone to chat with people while I am away from my desk, running errands, or bored on a car trip.