News
Issue #2001 - 26 (June 2001)
(Updated June 27,  2001)

INFRASTRUCTURE, PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Instant Messaging and Unified Messaging In the Corporate Workplace - IBM Style

In the business world where time is of the essence, staying connected to colleagues and customers can be a challenge. Even with the host of communication tools, important messages can be missed. For the wireless enterprise, there are two new options: IBM's wireless instant messaging service and British Telecom's wireless unified messaging service 

IBM's Instant Messaging
To legitimize and boost the reputation of instant messaging (IM), International Business Machines plans to offer instant messaging for wireless devices, including mobile phones and handheld computers. With 800 million users of Lotus Notes e-mail software, IBM believes that it can convince the corporate crowd to the benefits of wireless IM, with its advance security features. 

IBM's 'Sametime Everyplace, along with other wireless IM programs from Broadbean and Unimobile, offer highly secure wireless IM systems. According to Jim Poulieopoeulos, senior marketing manager with IBM, Sametime Everyplace has security built into it, but message encryption will be the responsibility of the corporation's wireless carrier. 

Benefits of Instant Messaging:

• Detects the on-line presence of mobile colleagues, which is not available through on-line SMS 
• Instantly connects remote workers with colleagues and customers
• Sends and receives audio and video applications
• Allows mobile professionals to work on the same application at the same time

Even though IBM's Sametime Everyplace product is expected to legitimize the IM marketplace, Lotus anticipates a lukewarm reception from the corporate sector this year but hopes to see a change of attitude and greater adoption next year. 

Enterprises worldwide will be able to purchase the service in late July.

Unified Messaging
For the European enterprise, British Telecom Cellnet is offering unified voice, fax, and e-mail messaging to business users with GSM or GPRS phones connected to the Internet. This service called 'Connected' is the British operators first attempt at a business portal and is based on its Genie service, which provides access and content for consumers. The service is currently being offered to the estimated 1.2 million business users with BT Cellnet handsets. 

Features of the Connected Service:

• ConnectedMail offers a single inbox for e-mail, voice, and fax messages 
• An automated service that reads e-mail messages aloud over the phone
• Ability to pull messages from POP 3 accounts, but the company recommends setting up a forwarding function for Microsoft outlook and Lotus Notes 
• General business information and services, such as flight and hotel bookings 
• Customized services will be provided for industries with a high volume of mobile users, for instance, regulatory information for the financial services sector

With the growing list of communication services including IM and unified messaging, there is no excuse for not getting in touch with someone immediately, but there are always those who say they left their mobile phone at the office. 

For more information: http://www.ibm.com; http://www.bt.com/index.jsp

Mobileinfo Comments and Advisory: Interesting and worthwhile extensions of IBM's Lotus portfolio.

Note: This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Readers should take appropriate caution in developing plans utilizing these products, services and technology architectures.  All trademarks used in this summary are the property of their respective owners.