October 14, 2005 Opinion: Can You Hear Me? By Frank J. Ohlhorst Courtesy of The ability to communicate efficiently has long been the most important business tool, even as the delivery system has evolved from courier to postal service to telephone to e-mail. Universally, advances in communication often have stalled because newer technologies seemed to lack the interoperability to make them a feasible option. One particular example is instant messaging: Competing platforms have forced users to use multiple IM services to stay in touch. This is a shame, because the power of IM is poised to change the way that businesses and people collaborate. Fortunately, some companies have recognized that easing communication is one sure path to the future. FRANK J. OHLHORST Can be reached at (516) 562-7485 or via e-mail at . Microsoft and Yahoo last week announced a sweeping agreement to tie together Yahoo Messenger and MSN Messenger. This could create a universal IM network that commands 44 percent of the market, according to research firm Radicati Group. Market leader America Online retains a market share of about 56 percent with its AOL Instant Messenger and ICQ options. If executed correctly, the Microsoft-Yahoo IM pairing will fuel a renaissance in corporate messaging. The vision is to start with IM and then add VoIP and videoconferencing capabilities. The advantages are abundant: Businesses and their customers could quickly share information, and coworkers could quickly collaborate, at little or no cost. With that said, they face some challenges, namely AOL. Plus, companies that have invested in VoIP and videoconferencing solutions may be adverse to abandoning those investments, and many companies are hesitant to provide employees with unfettered access to advanced communication technologies. While some solution providers may consider these challenges insurmountable, the channel can address many of these issues. For example, there are several IM control products on the market that could be adapted to address security and employee-monitoring issues. That leaves interoperability as the only hurdle. What happens next will be determined largely by other communication services such as Skype and AOL, and where they choose to place their interoperability bets. And be forewarned that traditional telephone companies may try to derail the process. How do you prefer to communicate? Let me know at (516) 562-7485 or via e-mail at fohlhorst@cmp.com. E-mail This Story Print This Story Get the latest Messaging news, product info, and trends every week.			Report: Demand Continues To Grow For E-mail Archiving PayPal To Offer Paying By Text Message Mirapoint Unveils E-mail Archiving Appliance USA.NET Launches Encrypted E-mail Service Genesys Offers Emergency Conferencing Service Chambers Says Video Will Drive Collaboration     Messaging Pipeline's Main RSS Feed     Messaging Pipeline's Blog RSS Feed Editorial and vendor perspectives The Six Flavors Of Windows Vista Microsoft plans to release a full six-pack of Vista versions, one for every taste. Which Vista will be right for you? Hope is Not Enough When It Comes To Compliance Three Ways To Authenticate E-Mail And Stop Spam Wikis In The Workplace Review: Google Desktop 3 Vendors are now talking about how collaboration can be improved by integrating video with messaging applications. They're even talking about adding live TV to mobile phones. How far do you go before it becomes a bandwidth and business productivity drain? Video is a great idea     13% Video is fine but there needs to be size limits     25% It's never used for anything really productive     38% I draw the line at live TV     25% In search of messaging products? Check out our brand new Product Finder for a directory of groupware and collaboration tools, security products, archiving solutions, and more.