History of Instant Messaging

Instant messaging was taken to new heights with the evolution of the Internet. In November 1996, a company called Mirablis introduced ICQ (aka I Seek You). Software was run locally on each computer, that would allow the computers to "talk" or communicate over the Internet.The software allows text messages to be sent real time. A "client" needs to be downloaded to each computer wishing to communicate. The "client" connects to the ICQ server, using a proprietary protocol. Once logged into the server, you are able to contact other "clients" and send realtime messages. The server creates a temporary file that maintains connection and contact information, allowing users to communicate.

As the Internet exploded and with the enterance of AOL and MSN into the instant messaging market, it soon became a household term, understood by all. The security risks while very real, are inconsequential for "chatters" and have seemed not to bother users using instant messaging for social reasons. Businesses however, are very conscious of the security risks associated with using web based instant messaging and as a result many have moved to instant messaging for local area networks.