One possible Microsoft strategy would be to add IM support to .Net Server, its latest server operating system. Code-named Greenwich, Microsoft’s IM software will provide a variety of multimedia tools to connect users in real-time. "Greenwich envisions building on core presence capabilities to deliver IM, voice, video and data collaboration as a standards-based, extensible real-time communications solution," says Bob O’Brien, group product manager of Microsoft Windows .Net division. In the meantime, Yahoo has announced the release of its corporate instant messenger, which will include the capability to integrate with corporate directories and some applications.

Increasing enterprise adoption of IM is also likely to lead to new uses for the technology. Avnet’s system, for example, allows technicians to communicate with customers on particularly difficult problems. NEC Solutions’ Visual Systems Division, an Itasca, Ill.-based display products vendor, is using IM software to directly assist customers. "They can instant message their customer support rep and get the information they need instantaneously," says Fran Horner, director of the division’s service sales group. The company’s IM system even has the ability to transmit diagnostic software and fixes directly to a user’s desktop.

Ultimately, enterprise IM will span an array of platforms, allowing users to conveniently contact people anytime, anywhere: on a desktop PC, PDA, mobile phone or other connected device. Several vendors, including Bantu and Jabber, already provide software with a multiplatform capability.

Still, for all of its powerful potential, instant messaging also presents a darker possibility. Avnet’s Stuttard is one of a growing number of business executives who are pondering the technology’s marketing potential. "You’ve got a channel now to send information and messages to a captive audience every day," he says. "That’s very exciting because that’s real target marketing?you’re literally hitting every one of your customers every day."

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the world of IM spam.