Besides joining Facebook, my mom also uses the MSN instant messenger almost every night to talk with her significant other, who lives in another small town about 30 minutes away. Because they cannot see each other every day, they use IM to stay in touch.

When I first started using instant messenger ten years ago, I never thought I would see my mom using it on a regular basis to communicate. But I definitely think that my mom uses IM for reasons other than why I did ten years ago. She uses it to converse — to talk seriously, update people close to her about her day, and to relay important information. Ten years ago (and even now, occasionally) I use(d) instant messaging for gossip, asking basic questions I need an answer right away on, and sharing interesting news links and websites.

Even though my mom and I use instant messengers in different ways, we have one thing in common — we use it to communicate. Even though the information sent and received may vary, and the amount and length of conversations ranges from short to long, we use instant messaging to talk to our friends and family.

Comunication is Key.

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!

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.

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.

This is a phenomenon I’d like call “Instant Messaging 2.0”.  This isn’t your grandmother’s IM program, so to speak. Instant Messaging clients are now (more than ever) one of the first choices for working professionals in an office or purely internet-based company. This IM 2.0 includes hosted instant messaging, which is the main topic of this blog and my other blog, Hosted IM Spot. With Hosted IM chat programs, hard-working CEOs, managers, and their employees no longer have to worry about the headache and stress that comes from worrying about if they data is safe.

Yes, in this age of ‘IM 2.0’ most data is the most secure that it has ever been. Encrypted (hosted) servers make sure data cannot be analyzed by a malicious source, such as a hacker or competing business. Having a hosted IM client may actually save your company money, but making sure that your data and personal information is always secure.

Also, I used to write on the Brosix blog and I know that it still has some great bloggers over there that continue to provide great tips about Brosix, instant messaging, workplace communication, and much more.

Additionally, besides blogs, I’ve been able to find a lot of other resources on the web that provides resources for those looking to learn more about free, corporate, and private online and instant communication. I really like to use the forums over at Big Blue Ball and read Brandon’s articles on the IM section of About.com. Both are very reputable sites that continuously provide current and up-to-date information.

I know that the niche of hosted instant messagaging is small, but definitely has a steady group base of consumers that are interested in providing themselves and their employees with a private, secure, and easy to use online communication alternative. I’m sure that hosted IM clients will only continue to grow in popularity.

I know that many companies and organizations use hosted instant messaging for their daily workplace communication, but have you thought about using a hosted IM for family use?

Some software companies like Brosix offer a free hosted messaging program that is secure and can be used for families. Some of the reasons why families might enjoy Brosix or another secure IM client is because they can:

• Stay in touch in different places
• Talk to children while the parents are at work
• Stay in touch with other family members when gone on business
• Divorced parents can talk to children when not at their home

As you can see, hosted IM clients can go beyond use in the workplace. For any one that needs a safe and secure way to communicate online, these clients are the way to go. Many parents and children will find that talking online when they are unable to talk on the phone or through email can be very efficient and even make them closer together. 

I often talk to my mom on our instant messaging program and it allows us to stay in touch because we live about 2 hours away from one another. It also really cuts down on the cost of daytime cell phone minutes and text messages used.

Although over 3 conversations at once can get hard to keep track of, it is still a great way to ask questions and get answers quickly without bothering to make any phone calls or wait for an email to come back with a response. 

There are so many different ways to communicate nowadays, and I strongly believe that women use these opportunities as much as possible. Some of the different methods of communication that I use everyday not only include instant messaging, but also email, phone calls, postal mail, texting, webcam, and social media websites. 

Because I live in a city that is about 120 miles away from most of my friends and family, using instant messaging and other forms of communication are the only ways I can stay close to them. I am so glad that these methods are available and for the most part, free of charge. Of course, there will usually always be a charge for internet or hosting, but I’d definitely pay more than $15 a month for the internet I use now in order to stay in touch and communicate with my friends and family.

Instant messaging is a great way for the workers of America to come together and be able to continuously communicate throughout the day while remaining at their computers to work on projects or stay focused to work on deadlines. 

The use of the internet is basically a job requirement for most office-oriented jobs. And once you know how to use the internet, then using instant messaging is not too far behind. It is so easy to use and simple- anyone who knows how to type can use it! For employees and their managers who want to communicate without ever having to leave their desk, instant messaging can not only boost productivity, but can also help companies stay on the frontier of digital communication. 

Even if you do not want to spend money on providing instant messaging for your employees, there are free hosted and secure messaging programs that can still provide the solution you are looking for. One of these include Brosix Public, which is a secure communication program. Brosix is the sponsor of this blog and is dedicated to providing you options when choosing a hosted IM client provider.

Even if you are not looking for an instant messaging program for your organization,  there are still several uses for a hosted IM program. These can include using IM for communication with clients, family, and friends.

I can only hope that my background in enterprise IM, along with social media, internet marketing, and communications will help you find the information you need to find what you are looking for. As always, if you have any questions, want to be a guest blogger, or would like to learn more about what I am trying to accomplish, feel free to email me at [email protected].

Thank you very much for your time spent reading my blog posts and I look forward to engaging in conversations with you and other professionals about the power of hosted IM. Look for the Hosted IM World to find a place in popular social media websites- Facebook, Digg, and others.