Criteria B

According to a 2006 study by comScore, which measures Internet usage, half of the online population uses IM. The major IM utilities use a proprietary protocol that is not understood by other instant-messaging services. (How Stuff Works, 2007). This creates a safer environment for people chatting on MSN. The client sends the server the connection information (IP address and number of the port assigned to the client) of the computer you are using. Because your client has the IP address and port number for the computer of the person that you sent the message to, your message is sent directly to the client on that person's computer. All communication is directly between the two clients. But it is also important to note that instant messaging is not considered a secure way to communicate. Messages and connection information are maintained on servers controlled by the provider of your IM utility. Most utilities do provide a certain level of encryption, but they are not so secure that you should send any confidential information through the system. Finally, the server deletes the temporary file that contained the connection information for your client. In the client’s contacts lists that are online, your name moves to the offline status section.


IM technology is constantly changing. New features are rolled out so frequently that a summary like this is almost outdated before it’s posted! (Tyson, Cooper 2007) MSN has integrated IM service with e-mail service, so users can receive e-mail notifications while instant messaging. Many providers also allow users to IM and file-share from their cell phones and mobile devices, allowing access to their services any place, any time. The next big thing (future plan) could also be location-aware IMing, in which services pinpoint users’ locations and allow them to communicate with people who are IMing in their areas. While IM technology is changing for the better, there will be an increase in the number of users because more peoples’ needs will be achieved through instant messaging.