Enterprise Instant Messaging (EIM) is real-time communication between users who share an identical instant messaging client. Spanning the entire organization, IM technology allows for efficient communication and collaboration. When users are connected the network they can exchange messages instantly with no delay.
EIM is a subsection of corporate 'groupware' technology connecting remote employees together regardless of where they are across the globe.
Dedicated corporate IM servers have several advantages over consumer based services including integrated authentication, pre-populated employee contact lists, improved security, and government archiving compliance.
Forrester Research recently uncovered that only 12% of employees are using IM software that is officially supported by their IT department. IT managers have been slow in adopting corporate IM solutions even though employee instant messaging adoption and literacy have been high.