How to Use Secure Instant Messaging Software as a Sales Tool

Secure IM software is about to be concerned with since
instant messaging software has become a popular communication tool for
service support between customers and their suppliers as well as for
chatting with colleagues.

If you’re an usual PC user, you are already know an
instant messaging like Skype, MSN, Yahoo! Messenger, and
AOL Instant Messenger, and ICQ. All of these public instant
messaging tools that enable internet users worldwide to
communicate back and forth online in real time using text
messages.

Some of the public instant messaging programs also have video and
voice capabilities. Through instant messaging, multiple people
can be invited to join in on a conversation and users can even
transfer files to one another instantly.

You can imagine how convenient this technology is for business
communications, but as business use increases, so does the need
for secure instant messaging.

Because of the confidential nature of most business transactions
businesses generally are not too crazy about the idea of
transmitting sensitive data and communications over the internet
without proper security, authenticity and encryption.

There is definite concern about data being intercepted or viruses
being exchanged when using public instant messenger programs.

Industries with highly sensitive data have moved toward the use
of private, closed instant messenger programs that encrypt data
and record communications as a solution for secure instant
messaging.

While this is a good option for businesses to handle internal
communications, it isn’t necessarily a solution that will enable
businesses to use instant messaging securely as a sales, customer
service or technical support tool because in order to communicate
through a private, closed instant messenger program, all users
that are collaborating must have the specific program.

Undoubtedly, the communication, collaboration and file sharing
capabilities that instant messaging presents is highly desirable
for businesses. As a sales tool, instant messaging enables
potential customers to ask questions and to have them answered in
real time.

A sales presentation can be made via instant messaging and more
than one person at a time can even be invited to join the online
sales presentation. Customer service and technical support can
also be provided via instant messaging and if support from a
colleague or supervisor is needed in the midst of a conversation,
they can be invited to join the conversation online.

Another advantage of using instant messaging technology as a
sales and service tool is that the text conversations can be
easily saved and referred back to as needed or archived as a
permanent record of communications.

The main disadvantages of using public instant messenger programs
are vulnerability due to the possibility of malware distribution
through messenger programs and the potential for data leakage.
Instant messaging can also be a hindrance to productivity because
it is so quick, convenient and easy to contact a user of instant
messaging.

This ease of instant communication can interrupt a person’s work
causing them to waste time online. These disadvantages lead to
the concerns regarding the use of public instant messenger
programs as a sales or service tool.

For an intranet or for businesses that have the same private
instant messenger programs secure instant messaging is possible;
but in communicating with the standard consumer through public
instant messaging, that is not the case.

If you use instant messaging as a sales or service tool, be aware
that you may be open to vulnerabilities and data leakage if the
communications are not accomplished via secure instant messaging
technology.

Because of the potential for data leakage, credit card
information, proprietary data and so forth should not be
exchanged via public instant messenger programs or services. If
you and your customers can accept the risks of using a public
instant messenger program, it really can be an incredible tool
for sales and service.

Author: Christopher J Enders
Article Source: EzineArticles.com