Page 112 - DCAP307_PLANNING_AND_MANAGING_IT_INFRASTRUCTURE

Planning and Managing IT Infrastructure

Notes Using IM requires that a user have an account with a service such as Gmail, Yahoo, or AOL
Instant Messenger (AIM) — and a client application located on the user’s computer. Because IM
is hosted by a service provider, the network presence, availability, and scalability allow IM
users to communicate with other people regardless of service provider or IM client.

Example: Users with an AIM account can easily communicate with people with a Microsoft
Network (MSN) account or an Apple MobileMe account.
Once users have an account (usually free) with a service provider and a client application (also
usually free) installed on their computer, they can easily text chat with other users anywhere in
the world. With client applications that support it, they may also be able to audio chat, video
chat, and exchange files through the IM application.

6.2.2 Enhanced Voice Communications

Making a phone call is a natural vehicle for communicating with friends, family and colleagues.
However, toll charges can limit time spent in conversation, and a single audio channel limits
interaction. Integrating one-to-many voice and video conferencing, recording conversations,
and chat offers multiple channels for communicating, sharing, and documenting.

Skype

Skype is a VoIP application that allows users to collaborate over voice channels by calling one
another. Skype users download and install a client application, allowing them to use their
computers as phones. They can make free voice calls to other Skype users on the network. Skype
has caught the imagination of millions of users around the world. By promising free phone calls
at a time when users were increasingly unhappy about the cost to make calls, particularly
international ones, Skype was soon installed on millions of computers, taking advantage of the
value of multiple nodes. For collaborators, Skype allows longer and more frequent interactions,
eliminating cost constraints and creating opportunities to record conversations and engage in
multiuser conversations.

Notes Foreign-language programs have adopted the tool to encourage conversations
between students and native speakers, and researchers have taken advantage of recording
capabilities to create another opportunity for archiving conversations and interview notes
or making academic podcasts to share research.

6.2.3 Ambient Communications

Ambient communications refers to the ability to ask a question of experts, friends, or
acquaintances at any time, regardless of location, provides new levels for sharing and
communication. Many tools enable individuals to tap into their network whenever they need
help—or even when they don’t have much to share.

Twitter

If you have ever had the experience of constantly asking someone in close proximity “what are
you thinking about,” you intuitively know what it is like to use Twitter. Twitter is designed to
support micro-interactions—the incessant flow of the thoughts of a friend or colleague that
stream across your screen. So-called tweets are short—limited to 140 characters—and can be

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