Instant messaging for business

In business communication, instant messaging (IM) is a form of internet-based chat using embedded software or standalone apps. It allows two or more employees to send and receive written messages in real time.

Organizations often use corporate instant messaging apps for internal communication. Such apps support one-on-one conversations and group discussions.

The feature-rich and easy-to-integrate instant messaging service offered by Ringover is one of the best ways to streamline your business communications. It helps you promote collaboration and enhance teamwork and productivity without spending a fortune.

IM tools are beneficial for businesses in multiple ways. For starters, it lets employees communicate effectively in real-time. It bolsters internal collaboration among various departments within the organization, allowing them to make decisions and resolve problems quickly.

As exchanges happen in real-time, it helps improve the flow of information and avoid unnecessary delays, thus saving both time and money. Further, companies that use instant messaging for business communication can increase efficiency, teamwork, and productivity.

All market-leading IM apps run a gamut of features beneficial for businesses, such as collaboration tools, video and voice calling, and good security. Above all, they are ideal for remote teams, work-from-home employees, and in-office workforce.

A good IM tool is feature-rich and has functionalities to make communication easy and hassle-free. While choosing an instant messaging service provider, look for the following:

• Group chat.
• Video and voice chat.
• Screen sharing.
• Confidential and secure exchanges.
• Unlimited file transfer.
• End-to-end encryption.
• Cloud and data synchronization.
• Ease of configuration.
• Pop-up notifications.

Several private instant messaging and corporate instant messaging tools – both free and paid, are available in the market today. Listed below are the top 5 market-leading solutions:

• Ringover
• Microsoft Teams
• Slack
• Webex
• Chanty

Advantages of instant messaging:

• It centralizes your business communications.
• It helps your employees connect better irrespective of their location.
• It enables teams to solve problems faster.
• It increases the efficiency and productivity of your teams.
• Instant messages are more visible than emails.
• You can access messages on multiple devices.
• Unlike calls and video calls, it keeps a record of communications.

Disadvantages of instant messaging:

• It poses security, privacy, identity theft, and data leak risks unless you use safe instant messaging solutions.
• While IM tools are ideal for group chats, they might not be the right tool for communication involving large groups.
• If not used wisely, private instant messaging could be a potential source of distraction and might interfere with work.
• Communicating using IM apps might look and feel more impersonal than face-to-face communication.

When compared to phone calls and emails, messaging has the following benefits:

• The communication happens in real time, thus eliminating delays.
• It enhances collaboration and connection among teams and departments.
• Unlike emails or phone calls, IM apps enable group communication.
• It is a cost-effective alternative to phone calls and helps organizations trim operational costs.
• As IM comes with record-keeping functionalities, it is easy to revisit previous conversations.
• In these post-Covid times when hybrid work is the norm, it lets companies communicate with their remote workers.