Instant messaging has revolutionized the way we communicate. Many of us grew up using MSN messenger, the once-popular chatting application. That place is now taken by WhatsApp, with over 2 billion monthly active users. However, there is no one-size-fits-all, and most of us end up using the same messaging app as our friends or family members have. Still, from highly popular ones to the most secure option, there is something for everyone, and we are here to find out!
What Is Instant Messaging?
Instant messaging is a form of communication that works online. There are several apps for this purpose, and they employ centralized servers to make the process seamless. Unfortunately, since these are online applications, there is a huge risk of cyberattacks. This is why messengers such as WhatsApp use end-to-end encryption and other privacy measures to secure the link.
So, to make them work, you need a reliable and secure internet, and Spectrum provides you with just that. However, IM is not a very internet-demanding task, so a regular plan or a shared connection will do just fine. Call now to connect with Spectrum customer support and find out more in detail.
Best IM Applications for External Communication
External communications are part of daily life, whether in the house or at the office. Here are some popular IM applications for external instant messaging.
WhatsApp has been the most widely used instant messaging application since its birth. With over 2 billion monthly active users, people use WhatsApp daily to text, talk and share files. Moreover, it has a group option with features like only admins can send messages. Also, for a business, there is a WhatsApp Business option with additional tools to run a business.
Facebook Messenger
Another great IM app from the Meta library, Messenger, is not far behind WhatsApp. It boasts several features for common users and businesspersons. From a business standpoint, it can help generate leads, boost customer service, and produce direct invite links for new users.
If you want to chat with customers or known people in China, WeChat is your best bet. It is a great app for messaging, socializing, e-payments, and more. Moreover, you can use it to launch marketing campaigns. However, it may need more security, so it is better to keep your defenses up if you want to use this app.
Skype
What company doesn’t know about Skype? That’s right, they all do—an original instant messaging app with many beneficial features like audio, video calling, and screen sharing. Also, you can call on landline numbers using Skype credits at affordable rates.
Best IM Applications for Internal Communication
While you have to use external communications for customers and others, internal communications happen more. Here are some popular IM applications for internal instant messaging.
Discord
Discord brings the classic walkie-talkie feel with its push-to-talk communication. Originally, it was meant for gamers and streamers for a better experience; its enhanced voice features and chat and screen-sharing have also intrigued businesses. Also, it offers integrations for platforms like YouTube, Twitter, Reddit, and more.
Mattermost
With its open-source policy, Mattermost is a unique instant messaging platform that gives full control to its users. You can use its open-source feature to tweak source codes and make them more specific to your business needs.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is the King of IM for businesses. Since it’s a close relative to Office suite, Teams also features formatting. You can change text style and font and create lists within each IM. For a better experience, it lets you integrate Office 365. Other than that, it has almost 200 other integrations.
Slack
Once the leading business tool for IM, Slack is still a worthy choice for businesses. It offers more than 1500 integrations, becoming one of its main selling points. Moreover, you can create public and private channels, thread-based chat, and direct messaging for easy collaboration with the company. However, slack may not be ideal as it may expose your network to vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
Instant messaging is great for communication and collaboration with teams and customers. However, it does have weak points regarding privacy. Still, it is nothing that good security features can’t handle. So, it is better to stay guarded with proper defenses, starting with getting a secure internet provider. For that, we recommend Xfinity with its xFi Advanced Security, which delivers a smarter and more personalized experience for the home and office. Need more details and pricing information? Xfinity Customer Service is here for you – Click here.
With that out of the way, instant messaging is the new norm for chatting, and it is here to stay. It has several features for a common user and a business owner that helps bide time or find sales – fast and easy.
