Today there is two main ways organizations corporate chat. First of which is to use the most common IM clients in our country: ICQ, QIP, Skype etc. Its main advantage is ease of implementation and low cost. Indeed, it is impossible to come up with something simpler: it is enough for all employees to install the client and add each other to contacts. The use of these systems is generally free.

However, this solution has a number of serious drawbacks. Firstly, they lack many very useful features. In particular, in all systems (with the exception of Skype) there are no group chats, message read confirmation functions, etc. Secondly, IM chats completely unmanageable across the organization. Each employee has his own account, with which he is free to do whatever he wants. This raises the problem of controlling the correspondence of employees, access to the archive of messages, creating “corporate” numbers, etc.

Thirdly, usage IM clients- potential threat information security companies. Moreover, we are talking not only about technical issues (for example, the risk of downloading infected files, clicking on dangerous links, etc.), which can be successfully dealt with. IM chats are one of the main channels for the leakage of confidential information, which, among other things, is rather difficult to control by DLP systems. This is especially true for Skype, which transmits encrypted traffic. In addition, there is always a risk that an employee will lose control over his ICQ account. Having acquired it, the attacker will be able to communicate with the company's customers, implementing certain fraudulent schemes in order to deceive them. Which, in the end, will have an extremely negative impact on the reputation and business of the company.

Second the way to organize a chat for the office is to use special software. And although this is a slightly more expensive method, it is free from all of the above disadvantages. Well, additional features that can be actively used in business processes, increasing their efficiency, quickly pay for the implementation costs. Naturally, for this it is necessary that all the necessary functions are implemented in the software. Therefore, the choice of a program for organizing a corporate chat should be approached very carefully: the more functionality of the product, the wider it can be used. At the same time, it is necessary to pay attention to another aspect - namely, the possibilities of implementation and administration. Integration with Active Directory, remote management, and the ability to scale the solution make it possible to significantly simplify the management of a corporate chat, and therefore reduce the cost of owning it.

An example of a solution that fits the bill is MyChat from Network Software Solutions. This is with a client-server architecture. This means that a special server is used to ensure the operation of the product, which takes on communication and other functions. The client-server approach is optimal for organizing a corporate chat in both small and large networks. It is distinguished by good manageability, wide capabilities and low load on network channels.

In terms of features intended for end users, the program MyChat have something to brag about. Need to start with the presence of two modes of communication: personal and group. The first one is very simple. Two users can chat with each other in much the same way as in ICQ. group communication implemented in the form of channels - special "groups" to which either everyone or only certain employees of the organization can connect. At the same time, channels can be created by the administrator and always exist, or opened by the users themselves (who have the rights to do so) if necessary. This flexibility comes in very handy in practice. For example, you can create one common channel for communication of all office employees and separate channels for correspondence within each department.

During communication, users can use a wide range of different functions. Among them, it is possible to note the possibility of using text formatting and emoticons, arbitrary pictures and links in messages, transferring files both directly and through the chat server, saving the history of correspondence, ignore lists, filters (anti-mat, anti-flood), etc. In fact, in MyChat implemented everything necessary for the full and comfortable communication of employees with each other.

Naturally, it is impossible to imagine a chat for the office without a contact book. V MyChat there are even two of them. The first contains a complete list of all users registered in the system. Moreover, they can be divided into departments, highlighting the chief in each group. This is especially true for large companies where employees from different departments may not know each other. The second contact book is personal. Each user has their own. You can include all the people with whom you need to communicate often.

In addition, in the considered chat for the office, a whole a number of additional features. The first one is alert system. With its help, you can send a certain message to all or only some users and ask them for confirmation of reading. This allows you to send orders for review, notification of meetings, etc. Moreover, employees will no longer be able to say that they have not seen or read the message.

Second additional opportunity – built-in FTP server. Its presence in the chat for the office may seem strange. However, this is actually very convenient, especially if the company has not yet deployed its own FTP server. What does he give? Firstly, storage for writing files, both general, accessible to all users, and personal. Secondly, it can be used to exchange documents (for example, documents can be stored on an FTP server for a user who, in this moment offline). Thirdly, an FTP server is required for automatic update chat clients (more on this later).

The next optional feature is Bulletin board. You can “hang” an ad on it, which will be visible to all users in a specified period of time. You can also note the account manager, which provides convenient use of clients on those computers that different employees can work on.

Many features in MyChat is designed to increase the convenience of its deployment and administration. The more opportunities the system has in this regard, the more convenient it is to manage. So, the lower the total cost of owning a chat. Distinctive feature MyChat is the possibility of using it in networks, including distributed ones, of a very different scale, from a few to thousands and even tens of thousands of customers located in different cities or even countries. This is provided by a whole set of administration functions.

You need to start with how to install client programs. You can install them both manually and automatically using group policies Active Directory. The same can be said about updating clients. However, MyChat has a more convenient implementation of this process. This office chat has an automatic update feature. When using it, the client is updated independently at the command of the user, who receives a corresponding notification (in this case, the built-in FTP server is used, where the administrator must first download the distribution kit of the new version). Implemented in, which can greatly facilitate the life of the IT department of the company.

Another very important feature the chat in question for the office is own scripting engine. What is it for? This engine allows you to write arbitrary scripts that are used to automate various processes and integrate chat with other corporate software tools. Here you can also note the possibility of connecting various plugins. For example, a plugin for remote control user computers. Combined with some other features MyChat(sending screenshots, MyChat Actions technology, etc.) this allows you to organize an effective technical support users.

The developers of the security program paid a lot of attention. All traffic transmitted in the system is encrypted, which makes it useless to intercept it. This allows you to safely connect remote users over the Internet. You can also note the presence of a very flexible system for setting user access rights to the chat capabilities. They are installed in groups, and the administrator can enable or disable almost any operation. This allows you to customize the chat for the office exactly as you need in each case.

hallmark MyChat program is the active use of web technologies. This product includes its own web server which can be used to manage this office chat. This way of administration perfectly complements the traditional local console. It allows you to manage the chat server remotely from your work computer or even from home via the Internet.

Hello my dear readers! Today I want to talk about a program that transmits the video of the interlocutor from the webcam to local network . It's cool when you have your own video chat over the local network. How do you think? It is similar to Skype (which works over the Internet), but is intended for use on a local network only. If you have a LAN at home or at work and you need to communicate with a person in real time, this program is ideal.

Video chat over a local network is called FACT -Video Conferencing Tool, you can download it. I think every user will appreciate the speed and quality of the video chat.

Also, FACT-Video Conferencing Tool does not require installation on the server, you just need to install the program on your computers and it is ready for use, it is also possible to use text chat in the program.

The above were the pros, but I'll talk about the cons as well. First, there is no support for the Russian language. Secondly, communication in the conference mode is not provided. That is, if you want to talk to several interlocutors at once, nothing will come of it. There are also some problems with codecs. For example, everything worked fine for me, but my interlocutor did not see me on his computer.

Let's start installing the program. I'll talk a little about how to use it.

Installing FACT - Video Conferencing Tool

After launch setup file, the "welcome" window will open, click on the "Next" button.

In the next window, the program will prompt you to let the installation, leave everything as it is and click "Next".

Click on the "Next" button.

When the program is installed on your computer, the "Install Complete" window will appear. To close the installer, click the "Close" button.

Video chat over LAN installed, now launch the desktop shortcut that appeared after installation.

A window will open where you enter your data. The "My local IP Address" field cannot be edited because the information is taken from the system. Press the "OK" button.

After that, as the “Devices Properties” window opens, the program will automatically find your webcam, and also select an audio device for transmitting sound. Press the "OK" button.

The main program window will open, if a video camera is connected to the computer, you will see your image in the right part of the window. On the left side are contacts, where by default everyone has a contact named "Test". To call one of the participants, just select the interlocutor and click on the "Start Video Conference" button.

At the top of the window is the program control panel. I'll tell you a little about it from left to right:

• My Profile - setting up your contact;
• Add Contact - add new contact;
• Edit Contact - change contact details;
• Remove Contact - remove a contact;
• Start Video Conference – start a video conference.
• Start Chat - start a text chat;
• Devices Settings - device settings;
• Help - help.

To add a new contact, you must click on the "Add Contact" icon, specifying its data, then save the contact. I think now you can use video chat over a local network on your computer without any problems.

See you soon!

P.S. Today for dessert - this is how the youth dances.

Corporate chat for local network in the office - an overview

Corporate chat for local network can be with or without a server, with clients or Web. Exists free programs to organize a chat on the local network, for example, Lan Messenger. The best business chats support voice audio communication and file transfer.

10.12.16. Chat for LAN CommFort improved video communication and admin capabilities

An updated version of the chat for CommFort LAN has been released. One of the key innovations - for video conferencing, it became possible to appoint one or several presenters who can both invite other users to the podium and deprive them of the floor. Significant changes have taken place in terms of administration. For example, it became possible to completely isolate different groups of users from each other, to prohibit the creation of arbitrary common channels, to configure the scope to force client options. It is now possible to control the forcing of channels and user groups not only from the server.

A new MyChat Guest feature has appeared in the MyChat corporate chat, designed to send invitations to a WEB chat from the MyChat client. The bottom line is that you can send an invitation to any person outside the corporate chat. MyChat will send an email to e-mail to the specified email. The recipient can then click on the invitation link and automatically connect in a browser to the person who sent it. The recipient does not need to install anything and register - a dialogue will immediately begin in a WEB-chat with the possibility of voice communication.

2014. Skype 7 focuses on chat

Microsoft has announced version 7 of Skype for Mac and a preview version for Windows. Both include a number of necessary updates and improvements, as well as a radical redesign, which may turn off many. The changes mainly concern the chat mode. In chats, pictures finally began to be shown, playback of forwarded audio and video appeared right in the chat window, during calls, the chat window is now located not from below, but from the side. All messages are now on blue bubbles, instead of a white background, as before. In the contact list, you can turn on the avatar display mode - in general, another waste of space, but with a large contact list, it can help you remember who is who visually.

Virtual PBX MANGO OFFICE has launched a new feature - an internal chat for users of the Call Center service. The built-in chat will allow MANGO OFFICE Call Center users to send instant messages to each other directly from the business application interface. Sending personal and group messages, working with the archive, as well as control by managers is available. MANGO OFFICE internal chat is designed to expand the range of tools business communication employees of the organization, to support the communication style popular among young employees, avoiding the problems associated with the use of traditional Internet messengers at the enterprise.

Earlier we wrote that the corporate messenger MyChat now has audio and video communication implemented using a web browser (based on WebRTC technology). Now they have added the ability to make audio and video calls to the desktop application that is installed on the computer. The quality of the video call is automatically adjusted according to the data transfer rate and ensures that the application works satisfactorily. The developers also improved the licensing policy: now after the end of the trial period, the server does not stop its work, but switches to a free mode with a limit of 20 client connections.

2014. Unison - virtual rooms for meetings and discussions

Service Unison - is of Russian origin. In any case, they have an office in St. Petersburg, and the name of the head is Mikhail Chupak. But initially the service was launched in the USA, and only now it has come to Runet. Unison allows you to create virtual rooms where you can invite colleagues and communicate with them in microblogging format, as well as in voice and video chat. In the side column, you see the employees who are currently in this room or just online. It is possible to contact the employee personally via chat. There is mobile version to communicate with a smartphone. In general, this is a rather interesting combination of a corporate chat, social network and videoconferencing. The service has a free version for 5 people, which includes audio-video calls. Paid version starts from 180 rubles/month per user. You can also buy a system in a box for installation on a local network.

2013. 3CX Phone System 12 improves mobility and conferencing

A new version of the software IP-PBX 3CX Phone System 12 has been released with new feature setting the online status of subscribers, the ability to organize conferences with one click, a corporate messaging system and a mobile softphone with integrated PUSH technology (now Android and iOS smartphones wake up when they receive a message or call, which saves battery power, and at the same time allows you to always be in touch around the world). In addition, among the new features of the software there is the ability to easily make a call “blindly” or “with assistance”, multi-line (management of several calls at once at the same time), integration of the phone book with Exchange or LDAP servers, synchronization with Microsoft Outlook, the ability to visually check the mailbox voicemail, centralized call history.

2013. Corporate messenger CommFort added support for media content

CommFort 5.70 supports embedded media content from YouTube and Vimeo video hostings. The content will be displayed in the channel window automatically, immediately after the link is published. Other changes include an improved interface for selecting recipients, the ability to customize the size of interface elements, user lists, and disabling the display of information about the activity of managers by subordinates. Recall that the CommFort server runs on the Windows platform. The cost of the license - from 1990 rubles. The client part of the program is free.

A new version of the corporate messenger for the local network MyChat 4.12 has been released. One of the major updates is the ability to remotely control a computer. This is necessary to provide technical support, conduct remote training, etc. The remote control tool is implemented using plugins based on the work of the free UltraVNC utility. At the same time, you see the screen of the remote computer, you can control its mouse, type on the keyboard. If the remote user does something on the computer, it will be instantly displayed. In addition, the new version supports read message notifications, automatically deletes old files and backups after the specified time, and displays in the profile of each user detailed information in which department and division he works.

2011. MyChat now has a chat history web viewer

In the new version of the client-server messenger for the MyChat local network, the service for viewing WEB protocols has been significantly improved. Thanks to this, program users can view their history of negotiations through any WEB-browser. Ordinary employees of the company can view only their correspondence, while administrators and security officers, having the appropriate rights, will be able to view system protocols and absolutely the entire history of correspondence in real time. To do this, you do not need to install any programs - just a regular WEB-browser.

2011. Corporate messenger MyChat added the ability to share files and screenshots

A new version of the messenger for the local network MyChat 4.9.5 has been released. The new version has significantly improved the file transfer function: now you can transfer a file via MyChat directly from context menu Windows or by dragging the file into the messenger window. At the same time, you can send files even if the recipient is offline. In addition to universal file transfer, a tool for sending screenshots has appeared. With one press of the key combination (Win + C), you can insert a screenshot into the chat. In addition, the account manager has been completely redesigned in the new version. Now it will be much easier for users to use it, it will be easier to switch between MyChat servers, choose different Accounts, as well as add and register new ones. And, finally, a web interface to the MyChat server has appeared (in beta version so far). Through the WEB interface, any MyChat user, having the appropriate rights, will be able to view statistics, manage the server and view the entire history of conversations (which is very important for security). And do it from any device: be it a computer, netbook or communicator.

2011. Softros LAN Messenger - a simple messenger for a local network

Today, more and more companies are refusing free public messengers that use an Internet connection - they can leak confidential information; in addition, employees' working time is often spent on empty correspondence. As practice has shown, installing a corporate messenger is economically feasible, and the benefits of using it justify the cost of purchasing licenses. One of the domestic products in this category - Softros LAN Messenger is designed and optimized specifically for small and medium-sized businesses. It is characterized by a combination of reliability, user-friendly interface and low price (the cost of one license is 250 rubles). As for the functionality of Softros LAN Messenger, in addition to sending instant messages and transferring files, it also includes other useful features, for example, creating virtual rooms with an unlimited number of participants, mass mailings, saving message history, grouping contacts by department or position. If necessary, any of the functions can be disabled by the administrator.

2010. Free MyChat - free chat for local network

Network Software Solutions released free version its MyChat product, which allows you to organize a chat on the local network. Free MyChat is practically no different from full official version, except for the only condition: a maximum of 15 people can be connected to the server at the same time. The license is perpetual and there are no restrictions on the time of use. What's more, Network Software Solutions provides free limited technical support for product use via e-mail and the official forum. Program updates are also provided absolutely free of charge. The paid version of MyChat starts at $85 for 30 concurrent users.

Group Intranet Chat Campfire has added the ability to organize audio conferences with one click. According to the creators (37Signals), who themselves use this tool to joint work, although chat (with the ability to send offline messages) is the best solution for team communication, nevertheless, not all issues are conveniently resolved using chat. Sometimes it's better to pick up the phone and talk. Now each chat group has a block for initializing a conference call. It provides each user with a number and a pin to connect to the conference call. In this case, all calls are logged in the chat, and after the end of the call, its record is added to the chat. Thus, the one who missed the call will be able to listen to it later.

2010. HipChat - convenient group chat for business

While microblogging services (like Yammer and Socialcast) have taken over in recent years, more traditional text chat business tools continue to emerge. In particular, the startup HipChat offers a service group chat for companies. And, interestingly, despite the fact that there are free similar solutions on the market, such as Zoho Chat, the guys from HipChat decided to immediately take money from customers. The advantage of HipChat is the presence of an AIR client that allows you to chat and receive notifications without a browser. Other than that, the functionality is pretty basic. You can create public or private chat rooms, chat one-on-one, see the online status of employees, view chat history. It is convenient to insert pictures and any files into the chat. Apart from Zoho Chat, 37Signals Campfire is the strongest player in this segment.

2009. Zoho Chat 2.0 - Meebo for business

Zoho rolled out an impressive new version of your Zoho Chat 2.0 business chat. Firstly, this is no longer just a chat, but a cross-platform web client for the main IM networks - something similar to Meebo. It supports Yahoo, AIM, MSN, ICQ, GTalk and Jabber (of course, the list is shorter than Meebo's, but in most cases, this is enough). In addition, the developers of Zoho promise to fasten Skype soon. Secondly, Zoho Chat is now available in almost all Zoho apps, i.e. even if you are editing a document in Zoho Writer, you can be contacted by your employees via chat (in this case, an Ajax window will pop up for you).

2008. Invisible mode in Gmail chat

Here we waited. Last Friday, the most requested chat feature from developers appeared - Invisible mode. If you have Aim in Gmail connected, then the invis will apply to it as well. As far as I understand, the function is only available in the Web interface.

2006. Aruba Unifies Communications

Aruba Networks intends to unify its products to enable VOIP calling across enterprise networks using WiFi technology and cellular networks. At the first stage, it is planned to modify the firmware of switches and wireless LAN access points to support multiple QoS standards, control the reception of telephone calls, and increase the battery life of dual-mode phones. To ensure reliable communications over two types of networks, Aruba is looking to work with handset manufacturers, IP PBX companies, and carriers. cellular communication. New software and the planned alliances will allow for 18 months to ensure the interaction of corporate and cellular networks and use for calls as internal phone numbers enterprises, as well as phone numbers registered in cellular networks.

2006. Campfire - the most business chat

The two most popular means of electronic communication among business people are e-mail and ICQ. E-mail is needed for more serious conversations, and ICQ is suitable for more urgent or informal correspondence. Both methods are good in their own way, and both have serious drawbacks. Negotiations by mail usually drag on for a long time, and if you need to connect several people to the discussion at once, then the correspondence turns into constant quoting and forwarding letters between all participants in the conversation. The position, of course, somewhat saves the corporate mailing list, but it also has its drawbacks, the main of which is still the measured pace of discussion that the mail has.

2006. Alcatel OmniPCX Office 5.0: new console and VoWLAN

Alcatel has introduced a new version of its Alcatel OmniPCX Office 5.0 IP communications system aimed at small and medium businesses. The new version includes a number important additions such as a new PC console, VoWLAN (IP telephony) features, new features for small business office consolidation, and a SIP interface for internal voice-over-IP (VoIP) calls and access to carrier services designed for next generation networks. The new Alcatel PIMphony Attendant console makes it easy to perform many everyday tasks, such as enabling and changing call forwarding features, updating remote sites, locking and unlocking phones, and more. All of these features, combined with the transfer of internal calls over IP channels, provide the customer with significant savings by centralizing call reception at one point and reducing internal communication costs.

2005. How to ensure the quality of VoIP in the local network

Kit software tools XeloRate, developed by Xelor Software, improves the convenience and flexibility of configuring QoS for corporate VoIP calls made through an Avaya or Cisco IP PBX. The software runs on a server running Red Hat Enterprise Server OS and provides dynamic self-configuration of the AutoQoS service on Cisco switches and routers in the network. AutoQoS prioritizes traffic in such a way as to ensure normal operation of bandwidth-sensitive applications. XeloRate eliminates the need for technicians to configure AutoQos from command line and dynamically reconfigures the service depending on the amount of traffic in the network, and also notifies the administrator by e-mail when users of VoIP phones reach the set bandwidth limits, offering options for solving the problem.

2005. Free calls over Wi-Fi are already a reality

Skype has entered into an agreement with British Wi-Fi provider Broadreach Networks to provide free calls to its users. Skype will provide free communication users of 350 hotspots of the provider, as well as wired access points throughout the UK. For the owner of a Wi-Fi network, this is an additional opportunity to attract users. Now the company has 110,000 registered subscribers, and hot spots are located at all London stations, hotels, restaurants and other public places owned by Virgin Megastores, Eurostar, Travelodge, Little Chef, Virgin Trains, EAT, Choice Hotels, Quality Inn, etc. .

2004. VoIP plus Wi-Fi on LAN

Linksys has released three new VoIP products, the PAP2 Phone Adapter, the RT31P2 Wired Broadband Router, and wireless router WRT54GP2 operating on 802.11g protocol. All devices are designed for the home or small office. They have two telephone ports, to which any device operating in the conventional telephone network can be connected, including cordless phones and faxes. The devices will be sold under the joint brand name of Linksys and Vonage. However, Vonage does not want to be limited to WLAN equipment from just one manufacturer: on the same day, the company announced a contract with another well-known supplier of such equipment - Netgear. The first co-branded product is to be an 802.11g (Wi-Fi) voice-enabled wireless router similar to the one announced by Linksys.

2004. VoIP cell phone in Wi-Fi networks

Avaya Inc., Motorola Inc. and Proxim Corp are planning to launch a new communications device that has been described by company representatives as an "enterprise phone." As conceived by the developers, the device will be able to communicate both through the networks of conventional cell phones as well as via wireless WiFi networks, using IP-telephony technologies. Thus, to communicate with other employees of the company, the local wireless network enterprises. The only condition is the use of the 802.11a standard. The device will be able to receive several calls at the same time, and the battery life is not much inferior to that of conventional cell phones.

2003. Motorola and NEC will jointly develop a solution that integrates WLAN, VoIP technology and cellular communication system

NEC and Motorola have announced their intention to collaborate on a complete solution that integrates wireless local area network (WLAN), VoIP technology and cellular communications. This decision will open to corporate customers new functionality and also reduce service costs. By combining voice and data networks, both wired and wireless, it will be possible to provide end-to-end voice and data services to users of cellular networks, corporate networks, and WLAN public access points built using 802.11 technology (commonly referred to as WiFi) . The solution will include Motorola's seamless mobility system components, as well as NEC's WLAN infrastructure and NEAX family of enterprise communications platforms. Motorola-supplied components include dual-system WiFi/cellular phones and a Mobility Manager system that coordinates handoffs between wireless local area (WLAN) and cellular networks and performing supervisory functions.

2003. 3COM Expands Enterprise IP Telephony Solutions

3Com Corporation has announced plans to expand its IP Telephony (Internet Protocol) platform strategy to meet the specific needs of businesses of all sizes. The new initiative allows 3Com to extend its LAN (Local Area Network) telephony solution to customers who need to integrate different sizes of IP telephony systems installed in different divisions on different platforms. The new initiative consolidates and expands on 3Com's existing advanced IP technologies, including carrier-grade softswitches and media gateways, and the award-winning 3Com NBX platform. In preliminary collaboration with a leading financial services company, 3Com demonstrated an IP architecture and applications that deliver a return on investment that translates into significant annual savings per user.

2001. NWG + Avaya = Russian VoIP

St. Petersburg distributor North-West Group (NWG) and Avaya announced the successful implementation of the program to promote IP solutions in the Russian telecommunications market. This program was aimed at actively promoting the Network Alchemy family and popularizing VoIP products for voice and data transmission over IP, as well as forming a stable sales channel in Russia and the CIS. Network Alchemy integrated telecommunications systems combine the functionality of a PBX, active equipment for a local area network and an Internet access device with firewall. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology is implemented in the ArgentOffice and ArgentBranch models completely transparently to users. Systems can be programmed for traditional dial-up or call routing over IP depending on available lines, current tariffs and other communication and infrastructure parameters. They also support hardware compression of information (up to eight channels in ArgentOffice and up to twenty in ArgentBranch).

2000. Avaya introduced a new version of Unified Messaging

Avaya has announced the release of the latest version of its Unified Messenger™ 4.0 solution for Microsoft Exchange 2000. This unified messaging application extends the popular Microsoft Exchange suite with voice mail and fax functionality. Unified Messenger users have the ability to work with all received messages, regardless of which device the original was sent from. At the same time, to access the message database, you can use both a PC and wired and wireless phones or the Internet. Unified Messenger 4.0 has all the features of Microsoft Exchange 2000, and also includes additional features such as find a subscriber (find-me) and receive call notifications. In addition, Unified Messenger 4.0 simplifies administration with support for Microsoft Active Directory and Microsoft Management Console (MMC) software components.

1998. Lotus SameTime- corporate messenger from IBM

Lotus Development, a division of IBM, introduced a beta version of the system for the exchange instant messaging across corporate networks. The solution consists of a Sametime Connect Client and a Sametime Server. Lotus Sametime functionality includes an online status system, a messaging system, and a document and application sharing system that allows you to simultaneously work with documents over the Internet, similar to Microsoft NetMeeting. The server costs $5,000 and the client license costs $20 per user. The Lotus SameTime system is closely related to the Lotus Notes/Domino groupware system. Initially, it was supposed to be included in the fifth version of Notes/Domino, but in the end the developers decided to release a standalone version of SameTime, probably in the expectation that many owners of already installed and working versions of Notes would install the program. Indeed, the use of such a system will help corporations reduce the cost of telephone connection and their employees to interact more effectively.