Instant Messaging

Definition: Instant messaging (or IM) offers users the ability to communicate in real time. Starting with IRC (Internet Relay Chat) users became hooked on the ability to “chat” in real time rather than sending emails back and forth or posting to a forum or message board.

Online service providers like America Online (AOL) and Compuserve created proprietary messaging systems that allowed users to see when their buddies were online and available to chat (as long as they use the same instant messaging software). ICQ introduced an IM system that was not tied to a particular ISP and that kicked off the mainstream popularity of Instant Messaging.

Those early IM platforms have since been replaced with tools like Facebook Messenger, Apple’s iMessage, Yammer, Jabber, and other similar instant messaging tools.

Also Known As: IM

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Tony Bradley

Editor-in-Chief at TechSpective

I have a passion for technology and gadgets--with a focus on Microsoft and security--and a desire to help others understand how technology can affect or improve their lives. I also love spending time with my wife, 7 kids, 4 dogs, 7 cats, a pot-bellied pig, and sulcata tortoise, and I like to think I enjoy reading and golf even though I never find time for either. You can contact me directly at tony@xpective.net. For more from me, you can follow me on Threads, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Latest posts by Tony Bradley (see all)

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