Choose a single IM service

Most IM services aren't compatible with competing providers. Select a single provider and insist that everyone in your organization use that service.

I recommend: Small businesses may take advantage of free instant messaging services from AIM, Yahoo! Messenger, Excite Private Messenger, Google Talk and MSN Messenger.

Go beyond the basics

While general IM services might be adequate for some small businesses, others may benefit from expanded services, such as security features, text conferencing, pop-up messaging and integration with popular email programs.

I recommend: JabberNow provides expanded services such as text conferencing among work groups. E/pop basic features pop-up messaging to groups and limits who can be seen online for added protection. AIM Pro offers business customers integration with Microsoft Outlook while using AIM or AOL usernames.

Create a usage policy

Do you want your employees to limit the use of IM to interoffice communications? Or should they also send IMs to customers, suppliers and business partners? Map out the appropriate uses for IM to safeguard sensitive information and to prevent the overuse or abuse of IM. Make sure your employees are aware of your usage policy.

I recommend: Quest Software sells an Instant Messaging Management Kit to audit and regulate instant messaging in the workplace.

Secure your information

Make sure your information is protected from outside hackers, viruses and spyware as well as from internal misuse.

I recommend: If you suspect employees are using unauthorized IM software or misusing it for personal purposes, consider monitoring all real-time communications with Facetime's RTMonitor tool. Install antivirus and anti-spyware software, such as Symantec Protection Suite Small Business Edition and Spyware Remover. For out-of-network instant messaging, consider installing VeriSign Digital ID's to encrypt your instant messages and ensure they reach the right recipient.