IM Watch:
Jabber Hooks Up with Cisco

By Vangie Beal

Jabber Inc. announced that its Jabber Extensible Communications Platform (Jabber XCP) has been integrated with the Cisco Unified MeetingPlace conferencing solution, allowing customers to launch integrated voice, video and Web conferences from the Jabber Messenger client. The Cisco Unified MeetingPlace conferencing system integrates voice, video and Web conferencing capabilities and is deployed on-network, behind the firewall and integrated directly into an organization's private voice and data networks applications. According to Jabber, integration with Jabber XCP will promote communications and collaboration by using presence information to allow users to view co-workers' availability and provides point-and-click access to voice, video and Web conferencing, right from the Jabber Messenger interface.

Yahoo has announced a new version of Yahoo Messager for Windows Vista users. The new version currently is not available for download but is expected to be released soon. Yahoo says it will include IM, voice, Web cam video and the integrated Yahoo Messenger Sidebar gadget. Additionally, those using the new version will be able to add Windows Live Messenger users to their contact list. Yahoo Messenger for Windows Vista will support tabbed windows, new emoticons, program icons and alert sounds, plus options to change the look of the Yahoo Messenger interface based on your Yahoo interests (e.g., Yahoo Sports Fantasy Football league). Yahoo Messenger users can sign up on the Messenger Web site to receive an e-mail notification when the new Windows Vista version is available.

This week Google has also announced a Windows Vista update that will make Google Talk compatible with the new Microsoft operating system. On the Google Talk blog, developers have said that Google Talk can be installed for all users or just a single user on a Windows Vista computer. However, due to new Vista security features, the default install is for a single user.

damaka Inc., providers of a SIP-based, peer-to-peer software solution of the same name, has announced its IMConnectivity plug-in, which is designed to offer connectivity with MSN, Yahoo, AOL and Google, allowing damaka users to communicate with those on on the other platforms without any additional software or clients. IMConnectivity is a free plug-in for damaka. Other recent updates to the damaka client include and update to version 2.5 along with several new features including video mail. The latest consumer version of damaka can be downloaded for Windows systems. damaka Inc. also offers an Enterprise Edition as well as vendor-independent solutions.

Pivot Solutions has announced a new version of its IMTrader instant messaging network and trading tool. Developed for brokers and fund managers, version 3.4. offers new features such as the capability to trade international equities via IM, with order completion. Other features of IMTrader include the capability to track and manage message blasts that automatically identify which recipient received, opened and responded to a message and provides options for quick resends.

Web-based IM

Interactive Networks have released Instan-t Express, a free Web-based IM client that is built using AJAX technology. Instan-t Express offers interoperability with MSN, AOL, ICQ and Yahoo Messengers. The client offers standard IM features as well as voice and video chat. The current release is a fully functional beta version. Instan-t is also available as a downloadable PC and mobile clients.

In other Web-based IM news, it looks like Meebo's portfolio is still growing. Meebo.com has recently announced that they are now providing Traineo.com, an online fitness community, with Web-based IM functionality through its "meebo me Widget." The meebo widget enables Traineo members to chat with their online motivators and other contacts directly from their profiles.

Mobile IM

Upside Wireless has announced its international text messaging service, iPiPi, which is designed to allow users to send and receive text messages to and from any country in the World, regardless of which network operator you use. The mobile text message service can be accessed from the iPiPi Web site. The Lite Account offers 70 outgoing SMS and 150 free incoming for $14.95/month. Accounts vary up to the Advantage subscription, which offers 325 outgoing, 1,500 free incoming, and priority customer support for $49.99/month. Marketing and corporate accounts are also available. iPiPi also offers picture messaging.

Geodesic Information Systems and BenQ have entered into an agreement in which Mundu will be bundled on select BenQ smartphones. Mundu offers a mobile chat platform that enables its users to chat across several public IM networks and languages. It interoperates with users on AIM, ICQ, MSN and Yahoo. The deal will also see Mundu Radio, a mobile Internet radio service on BenQ smartphones as well. BenQ smartphones supporting Mundu services are expected to be available this year.

IM Security & Research

Akonix Systems, a company that sells IM security and compliance products, has published its top five predictions for enterprise IM in 2007. According to the company, IM predictions for this year include;

1. Investment in archiving technologies for IM will soar in 2007. 2. Spyware, worms, viruses and other malicious attacks will continue to exploit the unprotected IM vector to propagate within corporate networks. 3. 2007 will see a dramatic increase in legal actions for hostile workplace and sexual harassment claims stemming from inappropriate use of IM at work. 4. The use of IM for corporate espionage and other leaks of confidential and proprietary information will make headlines in 2007. 5. Business applications leveraging presence and real-time communications will start to be deployed in 2007.

The Akonix Systems' IM Security Center claims to have tracked 41 new attacks over IM networks during the month of December 2006, which brings the 2006 total to 406. This represents a 15 percent increase over last year's number of 347 attacks. New IM worms identified include Blowhen and Skyper. Sohana was the most common with five variants, followed by Blowhen, with two.