Instant messaging has become a communication staple. Individuals use it to stay in touch with friends and family worldwide. Is it any wonder that so many consumers also prefer to use instant messaging to communicate with businesses and other organizations? The same is true of employees within these organizations. So, what is an enterprise instant messaging system, and is it a good fit for your business?
An enterprise instant messaging system is a software application that allows businesses and other organizations to communicate in real-time. This system is typically used for internal communication between workers but can also facilitate external communication with customers and clients. Some companies leverage third-party systems, while a few create internal systems.
Most business managers understand that technology plays a crucial role in advancing a business. However, there are so many aspects of business technology to invest in that you might need to make a strong case for enterprise instant messaging. These benefits provide a good starting place:
No technology is perfect. However, organizations can overcome the challenges with the right team and a good plan. Work closely with your team to find solutions for these potential concerns.
One of the main concerns with enterprise instant messaging is data protection. Because this type of communication takes place in real-time, you need to be sure that your messages are secure. There are several ways to do this, such as encrypting your messages and using a secure server.
Another potential challenge is that you might not have as much control over the conversation as you would with email or other forms of communication. Lack of control can be an issue if you need to keep track of the conversation for business purposes.
Because messages come in, in real-time, workers might face more frequent interruptions. Workers do have the option to mute notifications, but this can negate the benefits of real-time communication. Creating a company policy around when to use IM can help.
While enterprise instant messaging can benefit any business, some will benefit more than others. These include organizations that meet the following criteria:
Now that you know what enterprise instant messaging is and some of the benefits and challenges, you might be wondering how you can implement this type of system in your business. Here are a few tips:
With the proper planning and execution, enterprise instant messaging can be a valuable tool for your business. It can improve communication and collaboration, provide better customer service, and help you make decisions more quickly. Keep these tips in mind as you implement this system in your organization.
Are you ready to leverage enterprise instant messaging for your business? LeapXpert has changed the way businesses communicate with their customers. We make it easy for you to reach them via their preferred channels. Contact us to get started.