Advantage and Disadvantage Instant Messaging and Wikis Essay Example

workflow efficiency. Initially, instant messaging has evolved into a vital platform for communication between employees and customers in place of traditional means like phone calls and emails. More precisely, I.M. is a strategy to cut down on phone expenses and email response delays while also gaining global accessibility. IBM, for instance, saved $48 million in travel expenses through the use of I.M., demonstrating a successful cost-cutting measure (Wood et al 2003, p.756).

Additionaly, instant messaging significantly enhances the productivity of employees and companies' profits. The ability of instant messaging to facilitate video support and group discussions makes commercial deliberations efficient and user-friendly. According to Huang, Russell and Sue (2004, p.280), I.M. serves as an effective medium to share information, particularly for cooperative tasks and workgroup events. As stated by Ron Willbanks, the I.T. Director of Whataburger Restaurant, the use of I.M. to liaise with other corporations led to a surge in productivity between 15% to 20% (Morisy 2009, p.30).

2). Disadvantages of Instant Messaging. While instant messaging (IM) provides numerous benefits, if not correctly supervised, it could hinder business communication due to poor encryption and unsatisfactory archiving abilities. In particular, files in IM can be at risk of theft via the internet because of its inferior encryption system. Despite efforts to bolster security measures within their IM software, AOL has struggled to implement a robust encryption system (Wood et al 2003, p.757). Businesses also grapple with issues related to data preservation in IM platforms. For instance, five Wall Street firms incurred penalties amounting to $8.5 million owing to errors committed during storing records associated with IM traffic and emails (Wood et al 2003,

p.757). These shortcomings concerning encryption and archiving may result in user decline and inadequate legal safeguards. However, by enhancing security provisions within their instant messaging frameworks, businesses could potentially improve communication efficiency and expedite operational processes.

4. The Pros and Cons of Wikis 1). Benefits of Wikis In business settings, a wiki serves as a vital collaboration device to enhance company communication. It offers extensive benefits, mainly in wide-ranging and archival systems. Primarily, wikis offer a platform for businesses and customers to share information online. Google, for instance, created "specialized databases" for managing information and data through wikis (Brabazon 2006, p.160). Wikis facilitate the easy storage and exchange of messages among employers and employees. Furthermore, thanks to firewalls, wikis offer "a more robust archive with integrated accountability" (Martin 2007, p.57). As pointed out by Martin(2007, p.57), companies like Disney, Microsoft, Adobe, Best Buy, Nokia, Motorola, SAP, Novell, and Eastman Kodak consider wikis as essential collaborative tools. Outpacing other social media platforms in archives handling, wikis increasingly draw in enterprises to use them as tools for business communication.

2). Shortcomings of Wikis Conversely, wikis clearly possess many issues related to their security and reliability. To begin with, wikis are public resources, which exposes them to potential hacking risks. Einjan, a company specialized in computer security software, indicated that harmful code or content introduced by hackers could pose a threat like viruses to both the websites and its visitors (Martin 2007, p. 58). This insecure aspect can lead to unnecessary financial and reputational losses. In addition, due to the capacity of anyone being able to edit wikis, they may host incorrect information or retain

outdated versions online. For example, wikis have been manipulated by General Motors, also known as GM, to fabricate deceptive advertisements that resulted in disapproving feedback criticizing the car's quality (Martin 2007, p. 57). Brabazon (2006, p.161) asserts that wikipedia has been flooded with a considerable amount of substandard information.

5. Conclusion This analysis evaluates the characterizations of Instant Messaging (I.M.) and wikis, including their respective advantages and disadvantages as communication mediums. It deduces that I.M. and wikis are integral in disseminating information and boosting efficiency by presenting a cost-effective, rapid, and distance-overcoming alternative. Despite certain drawbacks like possible security risks owing to inadequate encryption and insufficient protection against cyber attacks, the positives they offer to corporate communication significantly surpass these negatives.

For an organization to leverage the merits of emerging technologies and tackle their associated problems, it is suggested that they govern user access and enforce laws. Initially, they should implement restrictions on registration and friend requests on Instant Messenger to ensure information precision. Moreover, limiting access guarantees the privacy and security of the company's clientele while preventing potential hacker attacks. Additionally, guidelines concerning the storage and archiving of business data need to be laid out. Implementing such laws can uphold the legitimacy of digital communication technologies and reduce unwarranted penalties.