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What Is Instant Messaging (IM)?
IM is a type of communications service that enables users to exchange messages in real time with other users. Users can communicate with each other by typing with a PC, wireless device, cell phone, PDA or other Internet appliance/device. They can also use a combination of these devices to communicate.

IM takes place in many circumstances and different protocols. AOL users can send instant messages back and forth across the AOL network and via the Internet to non-AOL users. Cell-phone users can use the SMS protocol to send short messages to other cell-phone users. Businesses can use IM or SMS to communicate directly with customers, while corporations can use any number of instant-message techniques to communicate with customers, vendors and employees.

Why Should I Care About Instant Messaging?
Businesses are increasingly utilizing Instant Messaging -- not only for internal communications (employee-to-employee), but also for conversations with people outside the company (company official-to-supplier, customer service rep-to-customer, etc). Enterprises need to make sure they're choosing the right system or systems to communicate with these diverse groups. Retailers can use SMS technology to alert users of important information delivered directly to cell phones - the most popular use of IM technology in Europe and South America. Other concerns surrounding IM systems include security and compliance with government regulations.

Instant Messaging has gained considerable support from major technology vendors while transcending industry barriers and moving into the mass market. According to a report from market analyst International Data Corp. (IDC), the corporate Instant Messaging (IM) market will grow from 5.5 million users worldwide in 2000 to 180 million in 2004.

What Is Instant Messaging Planet Spring 2003 Conference & Expo?
Instant Messaging Planet Spring 2003 Conference & Expo will provide the business, strategic, technical and market information that your organization needs to evaluate IM technologies, select vendors and deploy solutions. The conference will also provide an educational forum for those who need to learn about IM technology as it takes root in the workplace and the marketplace.

What Are The Goals Of This Conference?

• For the businessperson, the conference will inform them how to select the right IM solution for their company, as well as to hear how other companies and organizations are successfully using IM.
• For consumer-oriented companies, the conference will show how they can make money using Instant Messaging to market goods and services directly to consumers.
• For businesses looking at improving the bottom line, the conference will feature several panels on ROI on IM and case studies on how businesses enjoy increased efficiencies thanks to IM technology.
• For the technology professional, the conference will highlight the major IM technologies on the market from a deployment viewpoint. Special emphasis will be placed on IM security and deploying IM as an enterprise-level technology.

Why Would I Want To Attend This Conference?
You will gain a comprehensive understanding about Instant Messaging - how companies are using IM today, its future, its business applications and the technical details of how it works for the enterprise. You will also be able to network with fellow professionals who share your concerns.

Specifically, What Will Attendees Get Out Of The Conference?

Technologist - will provide you and your team with the technical information you need to deploy Instant Messaging applications.

Business or marketing professional - will provide you with concise, quantifiable market trends and opportunity analysis to help you evaluate IM opportunities.

Manager - will provide you with cost analysis and best practices for vendor selection and implementation strategies.

Registration questions please contact our Registration Department at registration@jupitermedia.com or (203) 662-2857.

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