Monday, March 30, 2009

Text Instant Messaging History.

Text instant messaging is considered as the fastest and most reliable way of communication. It has taken global distribution and has attracted billions of IM users.

SMS messaging or commonly called texting is the process of sending short messages from a mobile phone. The latest mobile phones are capable of sending as much as 20 pages containing 160 characters. These messages are commonly called SMS, texts or text messages.

Text messaging technology uses an SMS gateway to hook up any mobile SMS service to an existing instant message service, Word Wide Web, PDA devices, personal computers and to any landline phone.
Some devices with Bluetooth devices can connect to a mobile phone similar to a modem sending SMS through wireless networks. SMS have been widely used with either GSM or non GSM systems.

Basically, text messaging intends to provide a means of sending message to one person to another no matter where they are as long as there is signal coverage from the mobile providers. This service is also used for automated systems primarily for the purpose of purchasing products and services for mobile phone. Text messaging is also widely used in many contests.

According to some companies, the first ever text message was sent during 1989 by Edward Lantz who is a former NASA employee. The text message was sent through a Motorola beeper. The message was consist of numbers which is read upside down in order to read the message.

On December 3, 1992 in the United Kingdom, the first SMS messaging was used in a commercial sent through a Vodafone GSM network. The SMS message was sent by Neil Papworth with the use of a desktop computer. The SMS contains the word Merry Christmas sent to Richard Jarvis from Vodafone through a handset device model Orbitel 901. For the GSM systems, the first SMS using a Nokia phone was sent by an engineering student, Riku Pihkonen.

At first, text messaging did not gain popularity immediately since it was designed primarily for the hearing impaired. Since 1995 only a few messages were sent through SMS. But during the year 2000, there have been a gradual increase in the use of text messaging.

As the text messaging system developed, more and more people switched to texting as a cheaper form of communication. Based on statistics, Finland, Norway and Sweden have 72% of the total population are using text messaging. In Europe and North America, there are over 85% users of SMS.

Among the Asian countries, the Philippines have the largest population of mobile subscribers who uses text messaging as a means of communication. An average of 20 text messages is being sent daily by a subscriber. Because of this, the Philippines have been considered as the text capital of the world. On 2007 alone, there are 42.70 million people who are subscribers of mobile phones.

According to the Global Messaging Survey conducted by Nokia, text messaging has been proven to be an addictive activity. It was confirmed by a study by the University of Queensland which is based in Australia.

It is interesting to note that text messaging brought about a text lingo. These are abbreviations of words developed to save on character space, and because inputting complete words are more tiresome. Another reason is that most mobile phones do not have QWERTY keyboards of personal computers.

By: David H Urmann

Instant LAN chat for network. Batch Chat.

Do you have a Local Area Network in Office or Home and wanna chat over it? If you don't like so-called LAN chat messengers and other instant messaging software. Meet Batch Chat, it is a tiny standalone tool that does the job for you in the most easiest way. It has a simple-to-use-text-editor-type of-interface.

Just copy this *.exe file in the Shared Folder and you are ready to start. There is only one simple file that required to be copied and there is no need for configuration of any kind. Users who want to chat can simply go to the Shared Folder on the Network and open Batch Chat, in other words, everyone needs to be accessing the same file.

There is no limit on the number of people that can join, but is better suited for a small group(10-15 people). Chat room members will be alerted each time a new user joins the chat.

Note: Make sure that everyone on the network has the drive mapped to the Shared Folder.



Users can also join multiple chat rooms, just copy this file to some other folder and ask users to join it. This program maintains the historical chat log and is totally portable(which means it can also be run from a USB flash drive).

Sunday, March 29, 2009

How To Use Instant Messaging Securely?

Instant messaging communication software is getting a wide used techonology tool for both home, school, and office. This IM tool always its user to communicate in real-time and gain important information quickly. However, using instant messaging software securely is significant to keep this tool effective.

Anonymous and Instant Messaging

Instant messaging (IM) only requires two users, two computers, and a specific time. It does not require looking at a person or any identity code so anyone can use this tool. This means a person can logged on and indicate that she is a young, single woman from Idaho when she is a married, man in France so it is important to use common sense.

You should not reveal any personal information such as your name, address, place of employment, or favorite, local hang outs. This information can be used by someone who has malicious intentions and cause problems with your peace of mind.
Create Security Settings

Your browser,

operations system, and instant messaging tools should be kept up to date along with your anti-virus software to minimize the risk of an unsavory character obtaining detailed, personal information such as your primary e-mail address. When using instant messaging for recreational purposes, limit the amount of time you spend typing to keep yourself from going off track and typing important information.

When using instant messaging for business/work purposes, keep your typing short and simple and stay within guidelines since the meeting can have long-lasting results. Also, understand that all business/work relationships do not last so you do not want to provide detailed information that can be used against you such as legal issues.
Business Practices and Instant Messaging

There can be security issues with a corporate network and instant message application that could allow outsider to record and monitor data and information. For instance, if you and a business co-worker are typing about payroll and social security data this information can be stolen by a computer hacker and create stolen identity issues. Hence, a business should consider what general and specific information should be used during instant messaging.

For instance, it may be determined to only discuss brainstorming. general ideas, and public information such as s stock's price and discuss sensitive information such as financial accounts, names of employees, and patented information in person or by more secure methods.

Source: Article by Cherrineb

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Are You Ready to Secure Your Company’s Instant Messaging Communications?

Technology is often a step or two ahead of an IT staff’s ability to control it. That has certainly been the case with some recent communications advances. Increasingly small and medium businesses are recognizing that they need to monitor their employees’ instant messaging conversations, and in response, various vendors have been moving to deliver such services.

Concentric, a business unit of carrier XO Communications, announced Concentric Business Messenger, a real-time instant messaging security service. Increasingly, businesses need to keep a record of all of their communications. One factor driving the need to secure IM conversations is recent regulations, such as Sarbanes Oxley and the U.S. Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. IM has evolved into quick and easy way to reach another person, however, much of the interest in IM has come from the consumer market. So the challenge for small and medium businesses is to pinpoint who might be using these services and then monitor and perhaps restrict their network usage.

Unlike public chat services, Business Messenger allows IT managers to limit communications, for example just to people in the organization so the service is used to enhance productivity. In addition, all communications via Concentric Business Messenger are encrypted with Secure Socket Layer (SSL) so information is secure. The carrier tried to make the service easy to deploy: users can add contacts by selecting their names via a chat client on their desktops.

Concentric has focused on delivering hosted services to small and medium businesses. The company has been concentrated on providing Microsoft Exchange services. The new IM services are bundled with those services or are available at a cost of $1 per user, per month for non-Exchange users. The hosted messaging market has been growing at rapid rate, and Concentric is one of many vendors vying for a slice of that market. Its new services could open up another door or two for the company.

by Paul Korzeniowski
Source: ANTenna Blog -- Networking & Communications

Concentric Offers Secure Instant Messaging for Small and Medium Sized Businesses.

SAN JOSE, CA - Concentric® presented the start of Concentric Business Messenger, an enterprise-class, encrypted, fully managed instant messaging and collaboration solution designed for small and medium sized businesses (SMBs). Concentric Business Instant Messenger helps employees communicate more efficiently using real-time instant messaging software without the security risks of a public chat service. All communications via Concentric Business Messenger are encrypted with Secure Socket Layer (SSL) giving SMBs security comparable to online banking applications. Unlike public chat services, Business Instant Messenger allows IT managers to take control of instant messaging by restricting communications just to people in the organization, ensuring that information shared is secure and private.

“Concentric Business Messenger is part of our continued strategy to provide our SMB customers with enterprise-class applications at affordable prices,” said Craig Collins, president of Concentric. “A growing concern for SMBs is the increase in instances where worms or viruses enter their network through a public instant messaging network. By using Concentric Business Messenger, SMBs can have the benefits of chat without the risks while enabling employees to stay connected in the office and on the go.”

Concentric Business Messenger is independent of any email platform making it usable whether you are running your own email server, hosting your email elsewhere, or using any Concentric email service. This fully hosted service requires no hardware or software to be purchased, configured, installed, or maintained. Users can access the web-based chat client securely from any web browser.

“Using public chat or instant messaging services in a professional setting poses information security risks to the company,” said Michael Osterman, President of Osterman Research. “With public chat services, anyone can create a username that sounds like any company employee and can access private company information by posing as someone else. Concentric Business Messenger allows IT managers to restrict instant messaging to just between company employees, ensuring that company information is kept private and secure.”

Concentric Business Messenger is fully integrated with the Concentric Gateway, allowing simplified administration and reduced operational costs when combined with Concentric email, web hosting, or suite of Hosted IT services. Users can easily add co-workers to their Business Messenger by selecting their names through the Gateway. Configuration is a simple process as users download Concentric’s pre-configured chat client from the Gateway and install it on their desktop. Built-in controls allow the chat client to be automatically updated, and allow the IT manager to determine if and when the chat client is updated. All Concentric hosted services, including Business Messenger, are fully redundant and monitored 24X7 for maximum uptime.

Concentric Business Messenger is based on the open standard XMPP for compatibility with a wide variety of chat clients. Other features and benefits include:

– Easy-to-use contact list – Users can easily add co-workers to their contact list with a simple point-and-click interface; IT managers can control access for privacy and security
– Convenient online status – Users will know when co-workers are available for chat with the customizable presence indicator and status messages
– Secure chat rooms – Users can create chat rooms and communicate in real-time with multiple people; IT managers can control access to the room
– SSL encrypted enterprise-class, real-time messaging
– Contact groups with profiles

Concentric Business Messenger is bundled with Concentric’s Hosted Microsoft® Exchange at no additional charge. Most other Hosted Exchange providers charge extra monthly fees to offer comparable messaging capabilities. For other users, Business Messenger can be added on for $1 per user per month.

About Concentric
Concentric provides enterprise hosted IT solutions that streamline IT management, improve security and uptime, and reduce costs for organizations of all sizes. The company’s innovative technology platform is based on patented, clustered architecture that delivers superior reliability, scalability, and security. Services include applications hosting, business-class email, anti-spam and anti-virus solutions, and managed servers, all backed by 24×7 live customer support and an in-house Professional Services group to help businesses that need additional resources. Concentric is a business unit of XO Communications, a leading national telecommunications provider. For more information, visit www.concentric.com or call (866) 500-9696.

About XO Communications
XO Communications, a subsidiary of XO Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: XOHO), is a leading nationwide provider of advanced communications services and solutions for businesses, enterprises, government, carriers and service providers. Its customers include more than half of the Fortune 500, in addition to leading cable companies, carriers, content providers and mobile network operators. Utilizing its unique combination of high-capacity nationwide and metro networks and broadband wireless capabilities, XO offers customers a broad range of managed voice, data and IP services with proven performance, scalability and value in more than 75 metropolitan markets across the United States. For more information, visit www.xo.com.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Instant Messenger client. Free Browser Based Ajax IM.

Ajax Instant Messenger ("asynchronous javascript and xml instant messenger") is a browser-based instant messaging client. It uses AJAX to create a near real-time IM environment that can be used in conjunction with community, intranet, and social websites. No refreshing of the page is ever needed for this "web application" to work, as everything is updated in real-time via JavaScript.



Updates in version 3.41:

* Remove Buddy button now works properly
* Minor bug fixes

Updates in version 3.4:

* Fixed popup.php Include Path, Bold, Italic, and Underline errors (Issue #116, Issue #111, Issue #91).
* Added option to disable the register ability.
* Multiple releases (YUI Compression, Full Source).
* Blocked buddies are now blocked when they should be (Issue #112).
* Added buddy icons (Issue #92).
* Added context/right-click menus (Issue #12).
* Added buddy profiles (Issue #13).
* Added Lingo-Replacement feature, can be used with multiple languages (Issue #127).
* Buddy status changes are shown in chat window.
* Custom timestamps now used in chat as well.
* User search now lists users' emails.
* Created update.php to update your ajax im installation from version 3.3 to 3.4.
* Created test-uploads.php to allow you to test your server for the ability to upload files.
* Created php.ini.sample. If you need a php.ini, just rename this to php.ini.
* Added auto-away/auto-idle feature (Issue #124).
* Fixed use of &, <, and > symbols (Issue #101).
* Fixed use of new lines (Issue #118).
* Added Shift+Enter shortcut to add a newline.

Source: http://www.ajaxim.com/

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Desktop Alerting Solution for LAN and WAN: NetSupport Notify 2.0

NetSupport Notify is a network solution allowing instant and reliable delivery of notifications and alerts across a LAN or WAN to both Windows and Mac desktops.

The philosophy of NetSupport Notify is to supply a simple and effective solution to allow administrators within an corporation to reliably deliver key notifications to all users across an enterprise without concern for network topology and to provide accurate records of message delivery and acknowledgement.

Unlike typical LAN-based messaging solutions, NetSupport Notify provides a dedicated local notification gateway(s) that allow seamless message delivery across multiple network segments or dispersed sites without the need for network modifications or switch configuration. A true mass notification system.




A focused software solution for on-demand desktop alerts, emergency notifications, popup alerting and one-way messaging needs. Contact specific user departments or thousands of users across an enterprise in seconds. NetSupport Notify scales to the largest of enterprises, provides real-time status of both notifications and acknowledgements as well as delivering pre-scheduled alerts and notifications.

No external services are needed, simply setup one or a number of notification gateways, deploy the agents software to all computers and the console software to all relevant operators. Alerts can also be sent via a web based console, removing the need for software installation, yet retaining strict user security and control.

Why Desktop Notification?
NetSupport Notify cuts through the distractions to communicate directly and immediately with users.

NetSupport Notify is a high impact and scalable solution, requiring no external servers or subscriptions, that allows an organisation to deliver internal messaging guaranteed to grab attention. As a solution specifically designed to deliver one-way alerts and notifications that cannot be skipped, ignored or saved for later, NetSupport Notify offers many advantages over traditional methods of communication.

Instant Messaging, e-mail, internal Intranets and RSS feeds are all passive forms of communication that rely solely on the user to look for and read information...when they choose. NetSupport Notify delivers the information instantly and ensures the user's attention is gained. It is impractical and costly to attempt to contact all users by phone with news or alerts, e-mail does not ensure any level of immediacy and news feeds are only useful if users are actively looking for information. NetSupport Notify offers the only direct, instant-contact, mass communication method....offering instant delivery to all or specific groups of users.

Simple to use, fast and reliable, NetSupport Notify is the perfect choice for messaging and alerting across a LAN or WAN. Easy to implement and utilise, alerts carrying varying priorities, customisations and delivery options can be delivered in seconds across the enterprise.

Key feature highlights in NetSupport Notify are:

* Support for Windows and Mac desktops, including Vista.
* Prioritise messages and alerts with clear and concise message types.
* Support for clickable URLs in alerts.
* Customise Alert and Font colours and include organisation logo in all notifications.
* Flexible Delivery Options - display for XX seconds, Require User Confirm, Auto Close after XX and so on.
* Supports unlimited number of connected user desktops.
* Central Audit log and detailed reporting of all messages sent, received and acknowledged.
* View full Alert History, View and amend current scheduled Alerts and export delivery results.
* Schedule routine Alerts to run weekly, daily or at fixed times or dates.
* Unique Security codes – limiting access to only authorised Agents and Consoles.
* Send Alerts directly from a Web Browser via the browser based notification template.
* Integrate within existing systems via the supplied browser based notification template and COM object.
* Send targeted alerts dynamically to selected departments or all computers.
* Agent configuration can be centrally managed via Active Directory (AD) policies or similar.
* Control ability to send alerts by Active Directory (AD) policy.
* Support for Terminal Server / Citrix clients.
* Notification gateway component included as standard for seamless and secure delivery of messages.
* Send alerts to one or multiple notification gateways simultaneously.
* Notification gateway redundancy support, allowing multiple gateways to be installed.
* Utilise the Notification gateway for existing NetSupport Manager clients.
* No need for router changes or support for broadcast UDP.
* Easy to install with MSI installer or by utilising supplied deployment utility or Active Directory.
* Available in a range of localised languages.

Unified Communications (UC) Review: Cisco.

Unified communications (UC) is a fast growing and evolving market, with fresh products and solutions announced on what seems to be a daily basis. The unified communications (UC) market is composed of various elements and components, provided by a variety of vendors. There are several groups of players in the enterprise UC arena, all coming from different directions: the switch, business IM and presence, messaging, mobile devices, conferencing/collaboration, applications and so on.

The vendors are approaching UC from various angles, and enterprises need to figure out which approach makes the most sense for their particular environment. For example, most of the switch vendors view the IP PBX as the starting point for UC capabilities. Cisco's approach is based on the converged IP network, while IBM views presence as the starting point, and Microsoft sees the desktop as the heart of UC. All of these approaches make sense and have pros and cons, and companies need to determine which fits best with their philosophy.

Each month, SearchUnifiedCommunications.com will profile a key UC vendor to help you better understand the company's business model and how it may fit into your UC strategy.

Cisco

Cisco defines UC as voice, video, data and mobile applications unified on fixed and mobile networks that enhance business productivity and facilitate agility by accelerating decision time and reducing transaction time. Cisco notes that its UC solutions are architected to be open in order to ensure interoperability from the physical infrastructure to the application layer and to be secure in order to protect users and businesses. The Cisco solution uses the network as the platform to deliver an open and inclusive experience to users across disparate workspaces.

Cisco offers various delivery models for UC services, including on-premises, on-demand, hybrid on-premises/on-demand, and managed. Cisco has an end-to-end UC solution spanning from the network infrastructure to applications, services and devices/endpoints, enabling the company to deliver control of the end-to-end user experience as well as security and reliability at the application, call control, device/endpoint, and network infrastructure levels.

Cisco's UC offerings include:

* Cisco Unified Presence, which delivers IM and click-to-call features, serving as an integration point for presence published by other applications, including IBM Sametime and Microsoft LCS/OCS.
* Cisco Unified Personal Communicator, a software client providing a single user interface for IM, telephony, presence, collaboration, messaging and video.
* Cisco Unified Mobile Communicator, for a mobile collaboration client with presence.
* Cisco Unified MeetingPlace and Unified MeetingPlace Express for audio, video and Web conferencing.
* Cisco Unity and Unity Connection, for unified messaging.

In addition, Cisco offers Web conferencing and collaboration services, based on its acquisition of WebEx. Cisco WebEx provides Software as a Service (SaaS) Web collaboration, and Cisco WebEx Connect provides what Cisco describes as "everything a business needs to securely instant message, share files, collaborate, launch meetings, and manage projects." Cisco is leveraging the WebEx service and network to get into the SaaS space, focusing on collaboration.

About the author:
Blair Pleasant provides consulting and market research analysis on voice/data convergence markets and technologies, aimed at helping end-user and vendor clients both strategically and tactically. Prior to COMMfusion, she was director of communications analysis for The PELORUS Group, a market research and consulting firm, and president of Lower Falls Consulting.



By Blair Pleasant, president and principal analyst, COMMfusion
16 Mar 2009 | SearchUnifiedCommunications.com

Source: http://searchunifiedcommunications.techtarget.com

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

SIP Trunk Solution. 8el Prefers Squire Technologies.

8el, an established communications provider focused on managed solutions, including VoIP, ISP services, LAN and WAN infrastructure for UK businesses, has chosen a SIP trunking solution from UK-based Squire Technologies.


Squire Technologies has been offering SIP trunk service from 2001 to the telecommunication industry worldwide. The company provides a range of SS7 products, protocol converters, gateways, and an extensive range of VoIP products - Media Gateways, MediaGateway ( News - Alert) Controllers and Class 4 SoftSwitch.

As more and more carriers and ISPs are now actively offering their clients SIP trunk solution which are believed to be a lower cost alternative to traditional PSTN interconnect, 8el has decided to also have a flexible proven PSTN media gateway to terminate multiple SIP trunk customers, from a variety of PBXs and IADs.

A SIP trunk is a service delivered by an Internet Telephony Service Provider which allows businesses that have a PBX (News - Alert) installed to use Voice-over-IP (VoIP) outside the enterprise network using their Internet connection itself.

Established in 2001, Squire Technologies has experienced rapid, year-on-year growth providing Carrier Grade Telecoms Products and Services to the Telecommunication Industry.

Squire Technologies believes that the ability to offer highly managed services such as intelligent call routing and billing, and at the same time also ensuring security of service through a VPN and guaranteed bandwidth are all the right measures to ensuring the scalability and certainty of service for the end user.

"Squire Technologies' expert support and the flexible SVI_MG PSTN Media Gateway meant that our SIP trunk project as well as particular network and routing scenarios were handled. We had subtle requirements for messaging, DDIs and CLIs that came down to screening and routing, and Squire's SS7 expertise ensured our prerequisites remained within the scope of the solution," said Phil O'Keeffe, technical director at 8el.

Jai C.S. is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Jai's articles, please visit his columnist page.

Source: http://sip-trunking.tmcnet.com/topics/enterprise-voip/articles/52059-8el-chooses-squire-technologies-sip-trunk-solution.htm

Durov: The phone of the richest man in the world was hacked through WhatsApp.

The founder of "VKontakte" and Telegram Pavel Durov said that back in November 2019 he warned about the vulnerability of the Whats...