Instant messaging can be a great timesaver for businesses, but it can be a great time-waster when IM is abused. Using an enterprise instant messaging client for your business can help you ensure the IM is being used for business-related purposes and thus eliminate the time-wasting qualities. An enterprise instant messaging client is engineered for corporate use specifically to allow IT administrators to create and monitor user accounts, not only to avoid waste but also to ensure that confidential information is not shared with the wrong parties. Here are some important criteria for choosing the right enterprise instant messaging client for your business.

* Servers - Will the client provide the server space and maintenance needed to run the enterprise instant messaging or will your company be required to purchase and maintain the required server?

* Administration - Will the enterprise instant messaging client integrate with current email? Consider the increase in workload that each option will require of your IT department.

* Security - It must be assumed that confidential information will be sent through the enterprise instant messaging client in the course of business. Evaluate the level of security your company requires and measure against the level the provider offers. Common security features include secure sign-on, digital signatures, and encryption.

* Authentication - How does the enterprise instant messaging client verify the authenticity of the user logging in? Will your current authentication system work with the EIM, or can you rely on the client's system?

* Anti-virus - Transmitting files via the enterprise instant messaging client makes an anti-virus system vital to the EIM client package: check which companies offer anti-virus scanning with their system.

* Activity Logging - Logging is your avenue to reduce employee abuse of the enterprise instant messaging client. Before choosing a service to go with, consider the reporting format for logging and the flexibility of keyword flagging.

* Special features - Enterprise instant messaging clients offer many services along with instant messaging. Be sure to consider what features each product has available that can increase its value to your company's productivity, such as online meeting options, group chat, video chat, voice chat, collaborative drawing options, and screen sharing to name a few.

Taking the time to research an enterprise instant messaging client that fits well with your company is worth the time. Make the right choice, and you'll have an efficient IM system that will enhance the way you and your employees communicate.