Computerworld reports that in research released last week by Gartner, enterprise-grade IM adoption is expected to rise from its current 25 percent to nearly 100 percent by the end of the decade.

The article describes that while half of the Australian workforce are using Instant Messaging (IM), less than 10 percent use it as an enterprise solution that is installed by IT staff.

Gartner has described IM adoption similar to the take-up of e-mail in the early 1990s.  MessageLabs marketing director, Andrew Antal, correctly points out, "The immediacy and informality of IM, which is a big advantage for users, is a disadvantage when it comes to the spread of IM-borne viruses."  IT managers are advised to conduct an audit of IM use in the workplace, publish a usage policy, educate staff on potential risks and consider installing a secure IM client.

Key points from our perspective:

• Enterprise IM adoption to be nearly 100% by 2009
• Currently less than 10%
• Like email, IM introduces both benefits and risks

 
Click this link to see the full Computerworld article on Australian IM use and security