Companies embracing instant messaging (IM) technology are quickly forcing the convergence of text, audio, and video -- and that's opening up new business opportunities. Instant messaging, email, voice over IP (VoIP), and videoconferencing are blurring together -- and in many cases IM is the hub.
Skype uses VoIP to provide a free internet-based phone service which allows up to five people to talk with each other simultaneously, regardless of their locations. The software includes a user-built global directory, instant messaging, call tracking and alert options.
IBM's NotesBuddy allows users to store IM dialogues in email inboxes, where they can be searched for by subject or other classifications. Notesbuddy also automatically determines whether to send a note as a message or email, based on the availability of the recipient. Phone calls can be launched from within an IM exchange.
[Source: Motley Fool, ZDNet]
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