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Is unified messaging and instant messaging the same thing? How are they distinguished from one another?
How are unified messaging and instant messaging distinguished from one another?
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3 Answers
I wrote a paper on the universal mailbox concept in 1994, so the question has been around for a while. Unified messaging simply refers to receiving messages from multiple sources through a single interface or tool. For example, you could receive your voice mail, fax, text messages and email all via one system. The technology does exist to do this today.
Instant messaging (IM) is a direct decendent (at least in my perspective) from a tool called Talk was commonly used in early Unix systems. Talk set up a split screen with your text on the top and the other persons text on the bottom. Today, tools like MSN Messenger, AIM and others allow you to do the same thing (with many more features). The simple idea is you type and the other person sees the message instantly (at least if they are there).
In terms of distinguishing them, IM messages could be included in your unified messaging solution. Unified messaging contains messages from a variety of sources. I hope this helps.
Well put Paul. IM can be applied as part of your Unified Messaging. This is so because UM as Paul had already mentioned deals with Voice ,Text and Data all in one. Don't confuse IM with UM as you might say that "but IM does have the same applications too doesn't it?" No it doesn't. Instant Messaging is still limited in terms of applications while Unified Messaging can be used as a private or public enterprise. Hope this doesn't confuse you more :)
In keeping with both Paul and Eric, Unified Messaging should not be confused with IM. I have written papers on UM and the role it will play in the modern business.
Today we most widely and generically associate UM with that neat new feature that sends you your voice mail as a wave file. There is SO much more to UM than that, but a wide majority of people incorrectly refer to that as UM.
Unified Messaging and the direction it is going will essentially allow you to bridge all modern technologies together in a single interface/object. Maybe this is your mailbox, cell phone, desk phone, email, etc. In a Exchange 2007 UM environment running Office Communications Server 2007 a user is completely connected through: email, voice mail, calendaring, IM, and SMS through their PC, cell phone, or desk phone.
The modern concept of UM is you can be anywhere at anytime and you are completely connected via a single device.
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