A Best Practices Toolkit for Workplace Instant Messaging Usage

Instant Messaging Rules is designed to help employers keep their organizations out of harm’s way, while giving employees access to a cutting-edge, productivity-enhancing tool.

Because IM is a relatively new technology that is only now making significant inroads into the corporate world, its users are wrestling with a broad range of new challenges and concerns that differ somewhat from e-mail issues. At the same time, IM vendors are racing to create responsive and appropriate solutions to help ensure the effectiveness and security of workplace IM.

Because IM is still evolving in terms of its technology, its legal and regulatory issues, and its overall workplace use, Instant Messaging Rules does not always provide hard-and-fast dictates. Instead, this book strives to provide best-practices guidelines for reducing workplace liabilities by proactively managing IM.

This book is sold as a general best-practices guide and does not provide advice on legal and regulatory issues or opinions on technology or security. Its author did not and could not contemplate every situation, problem, or issue that may arise when using instant messaging or e-mail.

Before acting on any issue, rule, or policy addressed in Instant Messaging Rules, you should consult with professionals competent to review the relevant issue.

Some organizations and industries may be required to adhere to different or additional rules and regulations from those described in Instant Messaging Rules. You should contact a professional for advice about the specific risks, regulations, rules, and policies governing your particular business and industry.