Chapter 31. Instant Messaging

The Internet was born on communication; email specifically was the tool that drove its development into the globe-spanning network that it is today. That's the reason why email is so important. It's also the reason why we hate spammers. These days, however, a new kind of communication has evolved—call it “mini-email.” The one-liner. The short and sweet message. The instant message. The Net-connected society has grown to love these quick, always-on means of sending each other information.

Instant messaging (IM) is no longer strictly the playground of teenagers or friends and family looking to keep in touch across the networked world. It is rapidly becoming a serious tool for business as well. In some environments, ...

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