IM as Tool for Collaborative Working

"iWire notes in reviewing a study of instant messaging in the workplace that the main use of IM was 'complex work discussions'. There are some methodological difficulties with the study (the software studied was new and about half of users worked at AT & T). But leaving that aside I can't help thinking that if true this heavy use of IM for work is Not A Good Thing.

If work-related electronically-mediated conversation moves from email to IM, an important "record trail" may be lost. Email can be filed into folders by subject, keyword searched etc. IM in most systems simply disappears once it is typed unless one or the other party saves the transcript.

If businesses do implement IM, it may therefore be important to include some kind of automatic logging function as well as monitoring it for legal reasons if needed." [Blog.org]

Is There a Place for IM in the Legal Profession?

"Marty Schwimmer announces today Trademark Lawyers Are Standing By to Take Your IM:  'You will notice a link to the left which say 'Instant Message Us Now.'  [T]he IT department hooked it up as part of an experiment with the use of instant messaging in providing legal information.  Our IM address is schwimmerlegal....'  Any other lawyers out there using IM?  Come on, don't be afraid to admit it." [Ernie the Attorney]