re: Windows Live Messenger (was MSN Messenger) is now released, final and ready

David Overton — Thu, 22 Jun 2006 21:47:19 GMT

Vijay,

this is one of those questions where the answer is a depends

Two types of situations to consider:
1) Things Windows Live Messenger does
- All messages go unencrpyted over the internet
- No security to ensure people are from the right organisation
- Less options for communicating with other IM providers
- Free and functional
2) Things Windows Live Messenger does not offer
- Auditing of messages
- Policy control of who, what where and when
- Encryption of messages
- Unified communications, such as VoIP
- Ability to house servers internally

Having said all this, price sometime comes into the equation. For the things that Messenger does not provide the answer may well be Live Communication Server. While this is not the cheapest, it may be available via SPLA licensing, making the cost a few pounds per user per month, which if one of the other requirements are key, it could make it a vital sell.

The Windows Live Messenger is a sound product and once the right considerations have been made, LCS or WLM should show themselves out.

ttfn

David

re: Windows Live Messenger (was MSN Messenger) is now released, final and ready

iQubed — Thu, 22 Jun 2006 10:12:31 GMT

Hi Dave,

What's your take on using this technology in a small business environment?

Cheers,

Vijay