Instant Messaging Server Brick

The Instant Messaging (IM) Server is the application software that enables users to send short, text-based messages or files to other users. The server software receives presence management status from the client software and shows other users who are online and any optional status messages posted by users. These applications allow a user to start a chat session, record the chat interchange, and invite participants to a chat room.

Note that this brick applies to standalone IM services and that this function is often available in other applications, such as Desktop Web Conferencing and Shared Virtual Workspace.

• External services include those IM servers that are hosted outside of NIH. These servers will provide IM capabilities between NIH and non-NIH users. Internal services are hosted within the NIH environment and will allow IM between NIH users who have the appropriate client software loaded, activated and registered with the NIH IM Gateway.
• Implementation of Microsoft Live Communications server should allow for integration with Active Directory that provides a more end-to-end enterprise solution.
• Unified Messaging makes available voice mail, fax and email messages through a single user interface.
• Unified Communications is an emerging technology that will bring together varied communications technologies, including unified messaging, into a coherent architecture. At its broadest level, unified communications supports user interaction with any content transmitted through any network to any device, any place, any time, via any media.