Do you need to expand your aging network? Maybe a complete redesign is a better long term answer. It's time to consider replacing PC's with laptops and a wireless infrastructure.
Most businesses are shifting to web based email such as Google Apps so their employees can work remotely. Access from smart phones and tablets is also becoming important.
| Communications - VOIP - Intra Office IM |
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Ever get tired of calling across the room or picking up the telephone to call someone in the next office? Intra office Instant Messaging (IM) comes to the rescue.
Of the commercial software, a few of the choices are the aforementioned MS Live Communications Server, Softros Lan Messenger and Outlook Lan Messenger from Srimax Software. There are many more choices so check around. With Softros and Srimax programs there is no server so the total cost is for the CALs, around $10 per user. Most of the IM programs come with similiar feature sets, such as;
Microsofts Live Communications Server does come with more features than the other software mentioned here, but the cost puts it out of reach for the smaller companies. If you can afford the various licenses, you will get a complete messaging platform to built your business communications on. If all of this messaging jargon confuses you then good! You'll have to call Ethernetworks to straighten it out. |
If you're running MS Exchange 2000, then you already have IM built in. Post Exchange 2000 the IM feature has been moved to Live Communications Server. But if you need access to all of Live Servers capabilities you'll need Exchange Server also. If you're not inclined to pay for server licenses plus client access licenses (
On the open source side, some of the choices are Jabbers Jive Messenger, Pidgin (formerly Gaim) and R2's Tonic. Of these three, only Tonic doesn't require you to install a server. With Tonic you get the convenience and usability of IM without the distraction of social messaging over the internet and without the added strain of managing another server. If it sounds like we prefer Tonic, you're right. We're trying it out. We'll let you know how it works out in a future Product Review.Communications
Outdated Communications?
The ways we communicate seem to be growing exponentially. The analog telephone was good for over 100 years. Then the personal computer with Email became ubiquitous. After 10 years or so Email is already being superseded by Instant Messaging, PC Video Conferencing and free Telephony (Skype and other VOIP applications). It's a tough choice, embrace the new or keep the old tried and true methods. Not to worry, we're here to help.
