IT gurus...Opinions on IMs in companies?

[GhostTX]

So, once again IT on a random takeover of my PC, uninstalled my IM. You know, against antiquated corporate policy.

So, I ask, what's the opionion of DFWStangs IT admins. IMs good? IMs bad? Based on that, why?

Sure, we can have the ol' wasteful time thing. But then again, forums, cell phones, water coolers and phones in general can do that. From my understanding, IMs hardly take any bandwidth at all.

Maybe, just maybe, the only decent excuse is security. Sending/recieving files that bypass the corporate firewalls. Viruses, meh. A good anti-virus program will halt that.

So...what's the opinions?

[Chili]

We have IM software that we use internally.. It is quite useful. As far as just downloading Messenger or something, I can see why it's limited. Just like these boards should be.

[redheadintx]

We have an internal IM software as well. And, I use Google Talk. You can chat via Google Talk within the IE browser as opposed to having to download software. Great alternative if they don't allow IM downloads. But, I agree with Chili... stipulations are in place to keep you focused on your job as opposed to browsing the internet and chatting with friends.

[GhostTX]

LOL. So two IT admins touting the corporate line (which, I know there's logic to it). But at the same time violating that line for their own pleasures.

Other "real" concerns:
Security? How much so?
Bandwidth? How much so?

What's the problem with IMs other than time abuse? The ol' time waster is just added to the litany of things that people can do to waste time. Personally, I'd rather have an IM than a phone call. Quicker and less intrusive.

There's always going to be people abusing whatever time waster of choice is. What I don't get is why IM = bad, but phone calls and E-mails are ok, if that's what the company excuse is to kill IMs.

(oh, whoever moved this, I was hoping for the higer visibility of the Back Porch...and if you coulda kept a "Moved To" thing there when you moved it.)

[jlyon]

i have MSN messenger and Yahoo messenger on my work computer. sometimes it is hard to get logged in, but most of the time, it is fine. we cannot send a file through it though. AIM is blocked, i d/l it and tried to sign up/in and it was blocked and wouldn't let me sign in

[AbecX]

I was going to answer you until you said:

(oh, whoever moved this, I was hoping for the higer visibility of the Back Porch...and if you coulda kept a "Moved To" thing there when you moved it.)


This forum gets all the views you would need for a tangible response for a question like this. Unfortunately for a peon like you, the answers you would get in return really don't concern you so get back to work.



PS. Locked just because I can.