Types of Instant Messaging and Chat Software

The four general types of instant messaging and chat programs are:

• Single-protocol and multi-protocol programs
• Mobile clients
• Enterprise Software
• Web-based messengers

Single- and multi-protocol programs are discerned by how limited or expansive their networks are. Single-protocol ones only connect you with users who are logged into their own network while multi-protocol software can interface with a slew of networks, allowing you to chat with people who are using other communication programs. Such a feature clearly is an advantage for people who have an extensive network and can’t be bothered with logging into the different single-protocol messaging platforms, just so they can have a team chat. For casual users though, single-protocol programs should suffice (provided their colleagues and/or friends log into the same network they’re using.)

A prime example of a single-protocol messaging program is Facebook Messenger (which has refused access to other chat programs in a bid to encourage users to sign up for their platform) while for the multi-protocol ones, Pidgin is a well-known multi-protocol chat client.

With the gadget industry’s pivot to mobile technology, the world has seen an unprecedented, exponential proliferation of mobile devices. This has, in turn, coaxed developers to develop a myriad of mobile-based messengers that are mostly freeware. However, there are some you’ve to pay for (though typically, these have superior features to stay competitive).

A good example of a mobile client is the ubiquitous Facebook Messenger, a program that needs little to no introduction due to how pervasive it is in many people’s everyday lives.

Despite that while the above solution might be sufficient for most, things are vastly different when messaging for business—corporate environments need programs that have stringent levels of quality assurance regarding security, compatibility, efficiency, scalability, and overall reliability. This is where enterprise messaging software solutions come in.

These enterprise-level programs are typically more expensive, but most offer free trials. They are feature-rich solutions that offer an abundance of capabilities, including:

• Recording and archiving of all chat sessions made by personnel (if so desired).
• Oversee unregulated usage of instant messaging channels, improving security.
• Streamline company expenses by cutting down the usage of outdated technology like long-distance phone calls.
• Superior countermeasures aimed at hackers.
• Match employees with IM login names, imposing accountability on all users of the messaging software.

Most—if not all—features touted by enterprise messaging software are security, scalability, and efficiency-related ones—characteristics that are indispensable to any corporate outfit. Examples of enterprise IM programs are BigAnt Office Messenger 5 and Bopup Communication Server.

Now that we’ve gotten standalone IM messengers out of the way, we can now discuss Web-based messengers.

These programs are fairly easy to explain and even easier to use. They require little more than a reliable connection to the internet and a web browser. Since they piggyback on web browsers, there’s no download necessary. Also, these software solutions are usually integrated into email services (for example, Yahoo! Messenger). All you have to do is log in to the service associated with these browser-based programs and you’re good to go.

Please note these two things, however: one is that these are not enterprise-level messaging software solutions, and two, quite a number are single-protocol programs.

How to Choose Instant Messaging and Chat Software

For casual users, choosing an instant messaging and chat program is as straightforward as seeing if their contacts are using the software and if the program has multi-protocol support. If not, that might be a red flag for the user. There’s also the matter of whether or not the said user has a preference for smartphones in which case the usage of mobile-based messaging software would be a huge plus. Moreover, web-based programs will, of course, be better than standalone clients, and the success of social media companies further cements this trend. They’re here to stay, and the convenience they offer is very appealing to general users.

But what about companies? They typically seek instant messaging software solutions that allow team members to collaborate effectively with a quick response time. Instant messaging is important for both large and small businesses to communicate with team members, especially with the increasing number of remote teams.

Here, we discuss the crucial aspects you should look for in an enterprise-level messaging and chat program.

Security

This is almost always the primary reason why companies are wary of public IMs. Transmitting project details, file sharing, and other sensitive information over instant messaging apps they have no control over can put large or small businesses at risk. Hence, the first things you should look for are the following:

Can it verify each and every user is who they say they are? For readily apparent reasons, this should be a top feature for your live chat tools. Make sure the software you’re choosing has verification capabilities, and if not, find out if it can integrate with third-party authentication systems like a directory service such as Microsoft’s Active Directory.

There’s also the matter of whether or not the software can monitor and store login data and session information. This ensures your system won’t encounter any security threats.

Encryption and anti-virus countermeasures are also two things that are to be considered crucial if you’re to set up a safe messaging system. A reliable encryption system means you won’t have to worry about your sensitive company data being leaked, while an exacting anti-malware software suite will guarantee you’ll be safe from the depredations of hackers and data-destroying malware.

System Requirements

The showstopper of many a consumer’s software needs are system requirements as they dictate whether or not your company’s IT infrastructure can readily run the software. Not checking a program’s hardware and software requisites could be detrimental.

Control

Another thing to consider is how much administrative control the software gives you. The amount of centralization, scalability, and user-friendliness of its administrative tools is something that’s up there with the security aspect.

Quality-of-Life Features

Compared to the other aspects discussed, this part may seem superfluous, but if you’re to choose among several IM offerings and if you ever find that all their other features include similar tools, superior quality-of-life features might elevate one product to be more in line with what you want.

Features you should look out for include scheduling characteristics, customizable notification settings, the ability to create group chats, and substantial multimedia capabilities such as voice and video conferencing.

Common Features of Instant Messaging & Chat Software