Chapter 1 Introduction

Instant Messaging has become an important means of communication between people around the globe, providing an alternative to telephone and email conversations. The number of users using Instant Messenger products has been increasing over recent years. Messenger services provide a perfect environment for private and personal chat. People of all ages log into messenger service or chat rooms to spend time chatting with known and unknown persons. IMs are enjoying a high adoption rate amongst the youth in India and whatsapp is by far the most popular IM. Though accusations have been made against whatsapp which include the allegation that it is time-wasting for the youth, however, It is interesting, that despite the negative perceptions of the system, the youth are still using it, and presumably with their parents blessings. We know that the youth use the system mainly for social networking and that, to most users, the system is more than just a communication tool - it is also part of their lives.

Instant messaging services like whatsapp messenger, BBM, e-buddy, yahoo messenger etc. are becoming extremely popular with the youth and are posing a stiff competition to the revenue generating humble SMS. There has been a marginal decline of 5-7 percent per subscriber per month usage due to BBM and whatsapp messenger. The primary reason for the shift is quick response time and the ability to have longer conversations over long distances even between different countries without any extra cost involved. IM also gives users an opportunity to share information, music, images, files etc. On of the reasons that attributed to the increase number of IM users is the introduction of a ceiling on SMS number by TRAI. In addition to sending text messages the instant messaging platform offer a bunch of other things. For example nimbuzz users can get horoscopes, catch the latest cricket scores, check weather update, book travel tickets and even access gaming. Instant messaging will soon become like a social entertainment platform. Despite of all these benefits there are of course disadvantages of instant messaging. While the real time response is great, IMs do take away the face-to-face, personal experience that people have when they are speaking to someone in person. You can't really get a very good emotional bead on someone through IM nor are you sure of who you are talking to through IM, which can be dangerous if you aren't careful. 1

For an IM to work well there is a need of a better graphical user interface (GUI), fast push notification service. It should work on all platforms and ensure privacy and security as well.

1.1 History of Instant messengers

The phrase "instant messaging" entered common usage in the early 1990s, but the concept actually dates back to the mid-1960s. Multi-user operating systems such as the Compatible Time-Sharing System (CTSS), which was created at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)'s Computation Center in 1961, allowed up to 30 users to log in at the same time and send messages to each other. The system, which is perhaps closer to what we now think of as email, had hundreds of registered users from MIT and other New England colleges by 1965. In the 1970s, programmers worked on peer-to-peer protocol, allowing universities and research labs to establish simple communication between users of the same computer. The Zephyr Notification Service, also created at MIT through Project Athena in the 1980s, used Unix to locate and send messages to users. Some institutions, including MIT and Carnegie Mellon University, still use the service. The 1980s also saw great interest in the bulletin board system, or BBS a system that allowed users to use a terminal program to upload and download software and exchange direct messages with others. In 1982, Commodore International released the Commodore 64 PC. The Commodore 64 included an Internet service, Quantum Link (also known as Q-Link), which came to be known as America Online (AOL) in the '90s. Q-Link users could pay a monthly fee to send text-based messages to others via modem, and the receiver had the option of responding to or ignoring the messages. CompuServe's CB Simulator, created in 1980 to simulate citizens band radio through text-based messages and user handles, is considered the first service dedicated to online chat.

1.2 The Rise of the Instant Messaging Market

In 1996, Israeli company Mirabilis launched ICQ, a text-based messenger that was the first to really reach a widespread market of online users. ICQ allowed for multi-user chats, file transfers, a searchable user directory and more. AOL acquired Mirabilis and ICQ in 1998, later selling it to Digital Sky Technologies in 2010. The latest version of ICQ includes Facebook integration, mobile sync and further updates. The true turning point, however, occurred in 1997, when AOL launched AIM, attracting a new generation of tech-savvy Internet users. When you think of AIM, you can probably hear the sounds of opening and closing doors when friends appeared and disappeared on your Buddy List. Like the services before it, AIM allowed users to send messages to each other, and included user profiles, away messages and icons for more engagement. With AIM also came the development of different bots, such as StudyBuddy and SmarterChild (which have since been retired), with whom users could interact. By 2005, AIM dominated the instant messaging market with 53 million users. Chat rooms, in which multiple people could IM with each other, were another popular AOL feature. Yahoo launched Yahoo! Messenger in 1998, originally under the name Yahoo! Pager. Used with a user's Yahoo! ID, Yahoo! Messenger included customized "IMVironments," address book integration and custom status messages. Like AOL, Yahoo had a chat room service. Pidgin, founded as "Gaim" in 1998 as an open-source instant messaging client, allowed users to reach contacts on several operating systems. In 2007, it was estimated that Pidgin had 3 million users. Microsoft released MSN Messenger in 1999. A press release from its launch read, "MSN Messenger Service tells consumers when their friends, family and colleagues are online and enables them to exchange online messages and email with the more than 40 million users of the MSN Hotmail TM Web-based email service as well as with people using AOL Instant Messenger." Microsoft renamed the service Windows Live Messenger in 2005, adding photo 3

sharing capabilities, social network integration and games. In 2009, the company announced more than 330 million active users every month.

1.3 Instant Messaging in the 2000s

In 2000, Internet users took notice of Jabber, a multi-protocol instant messenger that acted as a single gateway for users to chat with friends and access their buddy lists on all of the big networks at the time: AIM, Yahoo and MSN. Jabber.org is the original IM service based on Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP). Most recently, in August 2012, Jabber disabled new registrations due to user abuse and denial of service attacks. Apple developed iChat, or iChat AV, for its Mac OS X operating system in 2002. Mac users could integrate their address books and Apple Mail in a native app compatible with AIM. In 2011, Apple announced iMessage for the updated Mac OS. Both iChat and iMessage were replaced earlier this year by OS X Mountain Lion's Messages, allowing users to send unlimited messages to almost any Apple product. Founded in 2003, Skype allows Internet users to communicate with others through video, voice and instant messaging. The instant messaging aspect of the service, while perhaps not its most popular function compared to video conferences, is used by many. In July 2011, Skype announced integration with Facebook, so users could see Facebook friends on Skype and see Facebook Chat through both services. Meebo began in 2005 as an instant messaging service accessed via web browser. Before it was acquired by Google last June, it supported Yahoo! Messenger, Windows Live Messenger, AIM, ICQ, and later MySpaceIM, Facebook Chat, Google Talk and others. Meebo had also developed mobile versions for iPhone and Android.

1.4 Social Media Chat

In 2005, Google released Google Talk, often referred to as Google Chat or Gchat. Available in various web, native and mobile applications, Google Talk always appears in a Gmail user's 4

window, allowing for easy communication with email contacts. The service includes text-based messaging, voice calls and video conferences. Most recently, Google Talk has been integrated with Google+, allowing users to chat while in the social network. Myspace developed MySpaceIM in 2006 as an addition to its social platform the first social network to do so. Users could instant message with friends on their desktops, as well as online starting in 2009, through MySpaceIM for Web. Later the service was integrated with Skype. Facebook released Facebook Chat in 2008, allowing users to instant message one friend or multiple people through the groups feature while logged into the social network. In 2011, Facebook announced the incorporation of video in Chat integrated with Skype and has also released the mobile app Facebook Messenger.

(www.mashable.com)

1.5 How does Instant Messaging work?

Instant messaging requires the user to logon to the IM server when he goes online.This logon can be done automatically whenever the user establishes an internet connection. This logon sends user information to the IM server, including the users IP address and port. After logon, his presence is announced to anyone who is interested. He is also alerted as people on his buddy list sign on or off. He can then initiate conversations with anyone on his list. Because the server knows the IP address and port of each user, the conversation is done directly between the user machines, without any server involvement.

Chapter-2 Features of an instant messenger

1. Session management: You can specify the number of simultaneous instant messaging sessions that the Instant Messenger supports. You can also specify a timeout threshold, after which the Collaboration Service ends inactive sessions automatically and permits new sessions to start. 2. Conversations with multiple: Users can start and manage conversations with multiple instant messaging contacts on their mobile devices. 3. Availability status: Users can change their availability status when they are logged in to their Instant Messenger. For example, users can set their availability status to away or busy. 4. Presence updates: Using the latest versions of the collaboration clients, users can set their availability status to display as away if they do not use their devices for a specified period of time. 5. Updates : Using the latest versions of the Instant Messenger, users can set their availability status to display as away if they do not use their devices for a specified period of time. 6. Access levels: Users can set the access level of contacts in their contact lists. Each access level consists of rules that define how contacts can interact with a user through the instant messaging application. For example, users can assign the Personal access level to their contacts 7. Contact persons: Using the latest versions of the Instant Messenger,users can add pictures to the contacts in their contact lists. The pictures that users add using the Instant Messenger on their devices are not synchronized with the instant messaging applications on users' computers. 8. Synchronized contact lists: The instant messaging contact lists on users' devices are synchronized with the contact lists in their organization's instant messaging application. 9. Contact alerts: Users can request alerts when specific contacts become available.

10. File transfer: Users can send files to contacts in their contact lists. Recipients can open supported file formats on their devices.

11. Link instant messaging contacts to the contact list on blackberry device: Using the latest versions of the Instant Messenger, users can link instant messaging contacts to existing contact list entries on their devices. They can also create new contact list entries for instant messaging contacts and populate them with information from their organization's messaging server. 12. Send email messages from contact list: Using the latest versions of the Instant Messenger, users can send email messages to contacts directly from their contact lists. 13. Call contacts: Using the latest versions of the Instant Messenger, users can call instant messaging contacts directly from their contact lists. After a user starts an instant messaging conversation with a contact, the user can make a call to that contact from the conversation window. Phone numbers for contacts are retrieved from the messaging server or from the contact list on the device if the user is linked to an existing contact list entry. 14. Email conversation history: Using the latest versions of the Instant Messenger, users who participate in an instant messaging conversation can send the history of the conversation as an email message to other participants of the conversation and to additional contacts from their contact lists on their devices. 15. Embedded links: Users can click phone numbers in instant messages to make calls. They can also click links in instant messages to view web pages. 16. Public groups: Users can add public groups to their instant messaging contact lists. 17. Location information: Users can set their current location to display in their contact information. 18. Send messages to contacts who are not included in a contact list: Users can send instant messages to contacts that are not included in their contact lists. 19. Dormant mode: The collaboration clients enter dormant mode after five minutes of inactivity. In dormant mode, the applications do not receive presence updates for contacts. Dormant mode is designed to reduce wireless network traffic in an organization's messaging environment. The Instant Messenger turn off dormant mode 7

when users open or use the applications, or receive conference requests, alerts, or messages from contacts. 20. Login/Logout as seen in popular messengers. 21. Ability to change status. 22. Different types of Look-and-Feel to suit each type of user. 23. HTML tags, fonts and colors can be used. 24. Support for smileys.

Chapter-3 Advantages And Disadvantages

3.1 Advantages of an Instant Messenger
There are many advantages to using instant messenger. It connects people regardless where they are actually located. In the company, colleagues can send and reply instant message in real time without face to face, meanwhile the work report can be shared during the instant chat session; the IM can make a virtual conference without get all the related people together in a physical meeting room. People can speak to multiple people in the virtual conference, share ideas and get conclusions. People on a business trip can contact the co-works inside the company through IM as well. Whats more, the staff can talk to customers or vendors online as well, in other word, now people can do business through the instant messenger direct rather than use the traditional method like make phone calls .Instant messaging allows people to use Internet chat conversations to relay information back and forth in real time. It is often used as a social networking tool, but many companies also use instant messaging as part of their daily business routine. Before you allow your employees to utilize instant messaging, you need to understand its advantages and disadvantages.Other advantages are: Cost Saving Instant messaging allows real-time communication between two people in any part of the world without having to pay the international or domestic long distance charges associated with using the phone. While many phone companies offer phone plans that allow for unlimited local and long distance, international calls can become expensive. Shipping companies and freight brokering organizations benefit greatly from the reduced cost associated with using instant messaging. Convenient If you are communicating with a business associate that is at his desk, he would have to stop what he is doing to answer your phone call. The same would apply to a phone call you receive 9

while at your desk. In many cases, if you are at your desk, you are looking at your computer screen. Instant messaging allows for quick real-time conversations that are not as intrusive as using the phone. Sensitive Information When you are sending instant messages to a colleague, you do not know if someone is looking over her shoulder or reading the messages along with her. Instant message programs can also be hacked by criminals and your messages can be intercepted without you knowing it. If you are having a conversation with someone you believe is a business associate on instant message, and in reality it's someone else, you could be giving away sensitive company information that could compromise current and future projects.

3.2 Disadvantages of an Instant messenger

There are of course disadvantages of instant messaging. While the real time response is great, IMs do take away the face to face, personal experience that people have when they are speaking to someone in person. You can't really get a very good emotional bead on someone through IM nor are you sure of who you are talking to through IM, which can be dangerous if you aren't careful. Other disadvantages include Uncertainty that the person you are talking to is the person you are talking to, especially when you are not very familiar with the things and risks of the internet. This can be dangerous. Also your computer may be attacked of viruses due to you may accidentally receive some files from the unknown people or click a disguised URL. In company environment, there will be potential for misuse. People in workplaces may use the IMs during work time to chat with friends and waste time or even bring the possible virus from outside. There are also some security risks like the content of the instant message may be intercepted. As a result the sensitive data like customer list, sales report may be revealed on the internet. An instant message connection allows the sender a way of sending you files during your 10

conversation. While this can be convenient when speaking to your business associates, it can be dangerous if you come across a hacker or Internet criminal. The port left open on your desktop by an activated instant message program invites the delivery of viruses and spyware that can damage your computer and your entire network. In conclusion, if you will use an IM inside the company, you should consider the advantages and disadvantages of the instant messenger as mentioned above and select an enterprise level instant messenger will be a good choice since most of the IMs offer strong encryption of the instant messaging transferred. If you will use an IM with friends and family, please do not receive files from the people unknown.

3.3 Is Instant Messaging worth the risk?

Instant Messaging, like e-mail before it, is poised to dramatically change the way that people communicate (and, indeed, this change has already begun). For business use, Im not sure that its benefits outweigh its risks. The more users there are, the more chances for security holes. It is very difficult to control access and block ports, when they are constantly changing. The potential for abuse, wasted time and bandwidth, as well as potential legal issues probably outweigh any benefit that might be received from them. They are not oriented to team work in the sense of groupware such as Lotus Notes or Novell Groupwise (Seifried). For home use, the risks are lessened. Home machines dont usually have the diskspace or the bandwidth to make them the most attractive targets for being used as servers.Also, with a limited number of users, its much easier to control the things that are beingaccessed. The only real issue here is that the home user must be savvy enough to be able to make the right configuration choices and maintain the machine through anti-virus updates, patches and backups, which is something that the average home user is not always consistent about doing. All in all, Instant Messaging programs are very risky and should be avoided if possible. There are risks of exploitation through data, bandwidth, and disk space as well as questions about privacy, legal issues and liabilities.

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Chapter-4 Some popular Instant Messengers

4.1Whatsapp

WhatsApp, an impressive cross-platform instant messaging app that lets you send unlimited text-like messages to contacts all over the world, and mostly delivers on its promise to let you "say goodbye to SMS!" Price-wise, the app is free for the first year, and then 69 pence for every year thereafter. On a global level, WhatsApp is perhaps the most popular of these sort of applications, and a recent update keeps the experience fresh and fun. The company doesn't disclose user data, but according to Google Play the Android app alone has been downloaded 1.2 million times which is double Skypes number, for example. While feature-wise, it doesn't do anything spectacularly different from its rivals, WhatsApp's value comes from its popularity and installed user base. Furthermore, its generally less buggy and more frictionless than other similar apps. For the uninitiated, WhatsApp is an instant messaging platform that interfaces like a smarter version of Android's stock SMS. It runs smoothly on 3G or Wi-Fi, and supports Android, iOS, Symbian, Windows Phone and BlackBerry smartphones. WhatsApp has all the customisation features you'll find in any other text messaging service, and then some. For instance, you can share your location on Google Maps, attach an image, video, audio clip, or contact to a message, insert a cute emoticon from a large palette of emoji, or

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change your conversation's wallpaper. Alerts can be turned on or off. Like Apple iMessage and BlackBerry Messenger, WhatsApp also notifies you when a message has been received on the other side. Your recipient can't pull the "sorry for the late response, just read your text!" excuse like he or she can with normal texting. A welcome new feature lets you start a group chat for up to ten people, and title the conversation, something like "Dan's birthday dinner." Best of all, you can leave the group anytime so you're not spammed by irrelevant alerts. You won't find this in Google Talk. One thing thats missing, though, is the facility to add a message or caption to a photo before you send it. Instead, you have to send a photo, and then send a message, or vice versa. It can be very confusing for a recipient to see a photo without some form of instant context. Every WhatsApp account is tied to a single phone number. When you launch the app for the first time, WhatsApp automatically scans existing phone numbers in your address book and extracts the ones using WhatsApp, so you can begin messaging those people right away. I was surprised by how many of my contacts already used WhatsApp. If you can't find your friend, you can easily shoot them an invitation from within the app. A small, but helpful, additional feature is that it automatically adds new buddies when they join the platform the app requires read/write permissions for your contact information, and it will run a scan every time you add a contact number. WhatsApp is based on an open source chat protocol, XMPP, the same one used by Apple iMessage and BlackBerry Messenger, which has been the target of a few successful hacks. For instance, last year security researchers were able to intercept and read WhatsApp messages by sniffing WhatsApp data over insecure Wi-Fi networks. Fortunately, the current version encrypts your messages so that even if someone captures

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them in transmission, they won't be able to read them. For someone with friends and family all over the world, WhatsApp is indispensable for its free, fast, unlimited messaging and slick interface. But if you're satisfied with your existing instant messaging service, be that Google Talk, Skype, Yahoo Messenger or whatever, WhatsApp doesn't offer much more in terms of features. (www.itproportal.com)

4.2Viber

Viber, the popular cross-platform mobile communications service, has today announced that it has now surpassed more than 140 million users across six platforms, with 400,000 people joining the service each and every day. To celebrate the milestone, the company has introduced a number of new features to its Android and iOS apps, including the ability to send fun stickers and playful emoticons, and support for the iPhone 5s larger display. The latest version of Viber on Android and iOS includes the following features:

Playful emoticons Fun stickers A new Send Location feature that allows you to share a map of any location you choose

An enhanced messaging experience with an updated user interface

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Group messaging with support for up to 40 contacts

In addition to this, there are some improvements that are specific to each platform. Those with Android handsets can now use their handsets current ringtone and message tone as their Viber alert for calls and messages, while those on iOS can enjoy iPhone 5 and iOS 6 support, and a new keyboard. These new features make Viber ideal not only for important conversations with friends and family, but also for playful conversations via text message or voice, according t o Viber CEO Talmon Marco. We know that our users rely on Viber for their important conversations with their friends, family and the people they care most about. But they also turn to Viber to have fun and playful conversations, whether its via text message or voice, said Marco. With the new features that we are delivering in Viber 2.3, our users can look to Viber as a platform not just for communications, but for playing and interacting with their friends.

4.3 BBM

It is a proprietary Internet-based instant messenger application included on BlackBerry devices that allows messaging between BlackBerry users. It was developed by the manufacturer of the BlackBerry, Research In Motion (RIM). Messages sent via BlackBerry Messenger are sent over the Internet and use the BlackBerry PIN system, so communication is only possible between BlackBerry devices. The service communicates over the phone's Internet connection using the mobile phone network. A wireless LAN ("Wi-Fi") network connected to the Internet may also be used to 15

send messages, however, most service providers will not allow sign-in to BlackBerry Messenger without the purchase of a BlackBerry data plan. Exchanging messages is possible to a single person or via dedicated discussion or chat groups, which allow multiple BlackBerry devices to communicate in a single session. In addition to offering text-based instant messages, BlackBerry Messenger also allows users to send pictures, voicenotes (audio recordings), files, location on a map and a wide selection of emoticons over the BlackBerry network. With the release of BlackBerry Messenger 5.0, BlackBerry allows users to use a QR Code to add each other to their respective friends lists rather than using only numeric PIN identification or an email address associated with the user's BlackBerry. Recent BlackBerry devices can also exchange BBM contacts using Near Field Communication technology. The release of BlackBerry Messenger 6.0 introduced additional traits. This update is focused on social communication mediums, including 'BBM Connected Apps', which allow the user to invite friends to share their favourite BlackBerry Applications. With the release of BlackBerry Messenger 7.0 in December 2012, voice chat was introduced. The new feature is called BBM Voice Call.

Features

Send and receive messages with unlimited length. Choose a personal BBM display picture and status. Real-time confirmations when messages are delivered and read. Share photos, videos and more with multiple contacts at once. Add contacts by scanning QR Codes, using NFC technology or sharing PINs. Send music files. Create and join groups where you can share and discuss lists, photos etc. Share location.

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4.4 e-Buddy

It is the most popular mobile messenger in current scenario. It allows us to log in to multiple IM accounts at the same time in one list that means you can log in to 2 or more than two google accounts along with 2 more than two yahoo account simultaneously. It Provides history of recent chatters to whom we talked recently. For a Yahoo user, ebuddy is their dream Messenger as they can buzz the opponent and can send same number of emoticons in same way that they do on Desktop Yahoo messenger. Features of Ebuddy didnt stop here it allows you to choose avatar from your camera phone or from google account.

Benefits of e -buddy Aside from the fact that it's free, eBuddy's accessibility is undoubtedly one of the reasons for its continued popularity. Nearly every device that can connect to the Internet can use some version of eBuddy. The only requirement for computers and some mobile devices is Java capability, and any mobile device that supports xHTML or Wireless Application Protocol (which is virtually all of them) can use either Mobile Messenger or Lite Messenger. Part of the reason it remains such a popular option for chat junkies across the globe is because it's available in 37 different languages, encompassing everything from Standard English to Brazilian Portuguese, with more languages to be added later. No one who uses instant messaging should have any difficulty using eBuddy. Standard features on most chat programs, such as adding and grouping contacts, changing the color and style of your font and quick access to emoticons are all available and easy to use. If you're on a computer and have a webcam handy, you can even video chat. eBuddy is also useful to those of us who like breaking the rules. If you feel like spending 17

some company time chatting with friends instead of working, you're covered. The program evades most firewalls simply because there's nothing to download. As long as your IT administrator hasn't blocked the eBuddy Web site (and your boss doesn't catch you), you shouldn't run into any problems. There are, however, some definite downsides to using eBuddy. You can't do anything on the service without having to sit through an advertisement first. In addition, if you spend a lot of time using eBuddy on a cell phone, the free service can quickly turn into an expensive pastime, as your mobile carrier will charge you for your Internet usage. It's not eBuddy's fault, but it is something to consider if you plan to do a lot of instant messaging on the go. Any updates you make in eBuddy won't transfer back to your original contact list. If you use eBuddy to change the address of one your MySpace contacts, for example, you'll still have to go back and re-enter the new information on MySpace. Despite its drawbacks, eBuddy remains a popular application used by millions of people across the globe every day. Its cost, simple interface and accessibility have allowed the Dutch company to become the most successful independent Web and mobile instant messaging provider in the world.

4.5 Yahoo Messenger

It (sometimes abbreviated YIM or YM) is an advertisement-supported instant messaging client and associated protocol provided by Yahoo!. Yahoo! Messenger is provided free of charge and can be downloaded and used with a generic "Yahoo! ID" which also allows access to other Yahoo! services, such as Yahoo! Mail, where users can be automatically notified when they receive new email. Yahoo! also offers PC-PC, PC-Phone and Phone-toPC service, file transfers, webcam hosting, text messaging service, and chat rooms in 18

various categories. Features Voicemail and file sharing Yahoo! added voicemail and file sending capabilities to anyone. File-sharing of sizes up to 2GB was added to Yahoo Messenger. Plug-ins As of 8.0, Yahoo! Messenger has added the ability for users to create plug-ins (via the use of the freely available Yahoo! Messenger Plug-in SDK), which are then hosted and showcased on the Yahoo! Plug-in gallery. Yahoo now no longer provides plugin development SDK.[5] Yahoo! Music Radio Yahoo! Messenger users can listen to free and paid Internet radio services, using the official Yahoo! Music Radio plug-in from within the messenger window. The plug-in also player functionality, such as play, pause, skip and rate this song. Webcam Yahoo's software now allows users with the most current updated versions (messenger 8 through 10) to utilize its webcam service. This option enables users from distances all over the world to view others who have installed a webcam on their end. The service is free with provided speeds averaging from a range in between 1 to 2 frames per second. The resolution of the images can be seen starting at 320 x 240 pixels or 160 x 120.

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4.6 Google Talk

It is an instant messaging service that provides both text and voice communication. The instant messaging service is colloquially known as "gchat" to its users, although Google does not endorse this name. Google Talk is also the name of the client applications offered by Google to access the service. Google Talk applications are available for Microsoft Windows (XP, Server 2003, Vista, and Windows 7), Android, Blackberry, and Google Chrome OS operating systems. Because the Google Talk servers communicate with clients using an open protocol, Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol XMPP, the service can also be accessed using any other client that supports XMPP. Such clients are available for a number of operating systems not supported by the Google Talk client. Google Talk uses extensions to XMPP for voice/video signaling and peer-to-peer communication. Google Talks implementation differs slightly from the draft XMPP Jingle specifications. However, Google Talk is in the process of being updated to be in full compliance with the Jingle specifications.

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Chapter-5 Why Instant Messaging is Better for Collaboration than Email

IM doesnt allow for over thinking and over judging of ideasits too fast. In a quick IM interchange you might share an idea that wouldnt make it through your filters during a session with the email compose window. We all know the conventional wisdom that in brainstorming you should share any idea, no matter how crazy it sounds. Why? Because even if it turns out to be dumb as heck, it might spark another, better idea. The quickness and casual informality of instant messaging relative to email helps us bypass our inner critic and get more ideas out. IM reduces chances of misunderstanding. One of the main problems of email back and forths is the potential for chugging off on the wrong track because you dont get immediate feedback. Immediate, brief responses in IM keep conversations on track and misunderstandings to a minimum. The wisdom of IM. Psychologists have found that people working in groups suffer consistently from problems like groupthink (coming to a false consensus because of social pressures to be agreeable and to respect dominant members of the group) and social loafing (assuming someone else is doing the work so you can take it easy)see The Idiocy of Crowds if you want more on that. How might the wisdom of crowds show up in IM versus email? IM is mainly one-to-one and brief, doesnt create an environment that encourages groupthink and social loafing. On IM, youre mostly left with your own ideaswith a few inputs from your buddy that ideally will be sparks and not dampers to the further fire of ideas. On IM, you cant assume someone else is doing the work, because you wont see long dissertations on how this or that should be done. IM flattens the hierarchy. Because email is one-to-many and always suggests the possibility of escalation up the management chain or cover your behind or reply to everyone in the whole darn world, you have to keep your place in any org hierarchy when 21

you use it. Instant messaging, on the other hand, suggests a person-to-person interaction more than a underling-to-VIP or a me-versus-my-nemesis exchange. IM just feels more human. Is that more productive or not? In terms of generating ideas, less social posturing and kowtowing probably means people feel comfortable offering more ideas, less anxiety and stress from wherever you exist in the hierarchy, and better productivity. IM isnt perfect. It can be abused, and it comes with its own complex undocumented etiquette and expectations. Email probably works better in some situations, like when you need to get agreement among a large group of people on a very complex topic. Or maybe you need a wiki for that.

(www.gigaom.com)

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Chapter-6 SMS Vs. IM

High cost of cellular network services such as SMS, voice calls and multimedia messaging has led a significant number of people to seek out other alternatives to be able to communicate with one another in any parts of the globe. Luckily, the internet showed answers to this matter. Chatrooms social networking sites and instant messaging services allowed virtually free conversation by merely using a PC with an internet connection. However, the innovation did not stop there. Instant messaging (IM) is now available in the comforts of your own mobile devices and there are also mobile IM comparisons to help you in deciding the best IM service. Instant messaging through mobile phones and other handheld devices has become a blockbuster success especially among the young people as shown in mobile IM product comparisons. This mobile IM comparison will share the cool features of two popular instant messaging applications trending on numerous mobile IM product comparisons which are the Blackberry Messaging service (BBM) and WhatsApp. Both SMS and IM (Instant Messaging) are the most popular communicating methods nowadays. Ever since the advent of mobile services, probably more popular than the facility to make voice calls has been one service that allows one to send text messages to another person. Also called SMS, or Short Message Service, messaging has become very commonplace and all mobile phones allow this facility. Its more advanced version, Instant Messaging (IM) is just like talking to another person in real time. It is not your voice but your messages that go across instantly and you reply to them as if you are talking to the person. However, IM is not always available as one requires net based phones for this facility. Those who have been using this facility on their PC or laptop know its usefulness. There are many mail services that are providing instant messaging such as Yahoo, Google, and MSN. Both SMS and IM are very convenient ways of communicating with others. Both have their own features and pros and cons. There are times like in a conference room or

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classroom where it is improper to talk on phone. In situations like these, you can still communicate via SMS. However, one drawback of SMS is that though you may have sent the message, the recipient may not open it at the same instant and there may be a gap of some time which is not the case in IM. In IM, you know that the other person is also online and you can start chatting with him. The drawback in this system is that the person with whom you wish to chat may not be online at the same time as you are online. SMS has provided a platform to companies to advertise their products and services in the form of SMS alerts. There are stock quotes, news, financial news, sports news, weather alerts available to people in the form of SMS for free (in some cases, on subscription). These facilities are not available on IM and you can chat only with those who are in you friend list and even among those who are online at the same instant at which you are. One feature that makes IM more attractive is the facility to attach word files, images and small videos that can be seen by the recipient at the same time that you are chatting. This is not possible in case of SMS where you can only send text messages. There is a feature which allows one to set different ring tones for different persons in case of SMS that makes you alert whenever you receive a message from a particular person. SMS vs IM Both SMS and IM are popular ways of communicating with others in situations when you do not wish to make voice calls or circumstances do not permit calling. While SMS allows sending text messages only, one can send word files and images to the other person at the same time that he is communicating through IM One may get delayed response of his SMS but in IM, you get instant replies. All mobiles allow the facility of SMS while only those phones that have the facility of internet allow one to use IM.

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Chapter-7 Future of Instant Messengers

Mobile instant messaging through applications and SMS is rapidly growing, and by 2016 it is expected to triple in use, as per a study by Juniper Research.The study shows that by not only has there been an increase in mobile instant messaging in general, people are also using multiple platforms to talk to each other. The report also notes how many PC-based services are now making the switch to mobile apps. The most surprising figure found was that instant messaging isnt a revenue-generating exercise. Desktop instant messaging is widespread, but its not as big of a money spinner as SMS is with carriers. Although both SMS and desktop-based services are popular on mobile devices, people are using multiple platforms and services to instant message. There is a growth in traditional instant messaging services like AOLs AIM and Yahoo Messager that are now available on mobile devices. People were using SMS in conjunction with the instant messaging apps. The analyst says this is proof that people want to use their mobile devices to interact with as many people as possible. It is clear that SMS is popular with mobile users because it is easy and already built into smart phones. However, Instant messaging services and SMS will continue to work interchangeably in the future. Desktop-based instant message services and SMS have very different functions for users, but they both are used for the same form of communication. For example, layout of text messages on smartphones is starting to look similar to real-time instant messager chats with a scrolling screen of past conversations.SMS is less socially intruding because users dont feel the need to respond the messages instantly.On the other hand, desktop-based apps have a sense of urgency and timeliness to them that makes users feel like they have to keep responding similar to an actual conversation.The main takeaway point is that messaging is being used across multiple platforms on mobile devices and we expect it to continue to gain users through desktop-based service and SMS. (www.mobilemarketer.com)

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Chapter-8 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The researcher contacted the respondents with well-prepared sequentially arranged questionnaire. The questionnaire prepared, was divided into two parts, of which part one was used to gather demographic details of the respondents and the second was related to the instant messenger service which the respondents use and the features they require.

Sample size The research focused on the participants who willingly wanted to complete the instruments in their entirety. Total 50 respondents filled the questionnaire. Sampling Design The sample was designed by the convenience based random sampling method.

Primary Data - Most of the data collected by the researcher was primary data through a structured questionnaire. a.) Demographic Characteristics- Age and occupation of the respondents. b.) Usage of instant messengers

Secondary data- The secondary information was collected from the published Sources such as Journals, Newspapers and Magazines and websites...

Research instruments - A summated rating scale format was used, with five choices per item ranging from "very dissatisfied to "very satisfied ". In this all the questions were positively framed to study the impact of independent variable like age and occupation on the dependent variable.

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Chapter-9 Research and Analysis

Given below are the graphical representations of the responses received on questions asked through the questionnaire. The interpretation derived will be explained in detail in the later part of the report. The details of the respondents are as below

Age Group 13-18 19-25 26-35 Above 35 Total

No. of respondents 9 33 3 5 50

% 18% 66% 6% 10% 100%

Occupation student employed Self-employed unemployed professional Total

No. of respondents 39 2 6 0 3 50

% 78% 4% 12% 0% 6% 100%

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Results and analysis of the questions asked are as below :

1. Which Instant Messenger (IM) do you use?

Options
Whats app Viber

No Of Respondents 39 2 3 3 3 50

BBM
E-buddy Others

Total

IM

Whatsapp Viber BBM e-buddy Others

Analysis: Whatsapp instant messenger is the most popular among all.

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2. Approximately how long have you been an IM client? Options

Less than 1 year 1-2 years

No Of Respondents 25 19 6 0 50

2-5 years
More than 5 years

Total

Time period

Less than 1 year 1-2 years 2-5 years More than 5 years

Analysis: Since the SMS costs have gone up only in last year so the IM user are still new to the services thats why most of the user are using the facility for less than one year or upto two years.

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3. How frequent do you use IM?

Options
Less than 1 hour 1-3 hours

No Of Respondents 14 17 6 13 50

3-5 hours All days long total

Frequency

less than 1 hour 1-3 hours 3-5 hours All days long

Analysis: Most of the users have an average use of the IM services thats why the usage frequencies are evenly distributed.

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4. How satisfied are you with the messenger service you use? Options
Very Satisfied Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied Very Dissatisfied

No Of Respondents 16 26 6 2 0 50

Total

Satisfaction

Very satisfied Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied Very disssatisfied

Analysis: Almost all the users are satisfied with the IM services they are using.

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5. Rate the features (1-5) as per your preference.

RANK

1 15 6 12 12 5 50

2 6 11 11 8 14 50

3 10 8 9 8 15 50

4 9 13 11 12 5 50

5 10 12 7 10 11 50

FEATURES

No Extra Cost Platform Availability Favoritism User Friendly File Sharing Total

16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 1 2 3 4 5 No Extra Cost Platform Availability Favoritism User Friendly File Sharing

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6. To what extent has the ceiling imposed by TRAI on daily SMS limit affected the usage of IMs? Options
Highly affected Somewhat affected Very Less affected Not affected

No Of Respondents 14 20 6 10 50

Total

Impact of SMS limit

Highly affected Somewhat affected Very Less affected Not affected

Analysis: The increase in SMS costs by the order of TRAI have reasonably affected the usage of IM services.

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7. Will the expensive 3G internet plans affect your intensity of IM usage?

Options Strongly agree

agree undecided disagree Strongly disagree

No Of Respondents 7 23 12 8 0 50

Total

Impact of expensive 3G plans

Strongly agree agree undecided disagree Strongly disagree

Analysis: Most of the users agree to the fact that expensive 3G internet plans will affect the intensity of their IM usage.

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8. Nature of your instant messages belongs to-

Options
Personal private issues Business private issues

No Of Respondents 30 1 10

Both personal and business with heavier weight on personal issues Both personal and business with heavier weight on business issues Both personal and business with almost the same weight Total

50

Nature of Instant Messages

Personal private issues

Business private issues

Both personal and business with heavier weight on personal issues Both personal and business with heavier weight on business issues

Analysis: Most users use IM messenger for personal and private messaging. 35

9. Use of IM will become:-

Options More popular despite of potential danger for personal use More popular despite of potential danger for enterprise use Less popular when people are aware of its potential danger Less popular when enterprises are aware of its potential danger Not sure Any other (if any) Total

No Of Respondents 27

9 6 50

Future of IM
More popular despite of potential danger for personal use More popular despite of potential danger for enterprise use Less popular when people are aware of its potential danger Not sure

Any other

Analysis: The future of IM will be more popular for both personal and enterprise usage because of its technological advancement and user friendliness. 36

Chapter-10 Conclusion
From this research on Instant Messaging, we have gained a lot of information and knowledge on the topic. In addition to that, we have also arrived at a final conclusion which is as follows: Instant Messaging is a useful tool for communication as mentioned in the study conducted. Certain Instant Messagaging networks also provide other useful features that make Instant Messaging a more convenient and helpful communication tool. For example, file sharing features allow people to share. Also, group conversations allow multiple people to communicate with each other simultaneously instead of a one-to-one conversation. This would be very efficient and similar to real-life conferences. This potential manifests itself in its ability to facilitate communication over distances, whether great or small, uniting people in textual speech and breaking the barriers presented by other methods of communication, such as the cost of telephoning and the time lapses of electronic mail. Bringing people closer and bridging the gap between them is one of the powerful implementations of Instant Messaging. Instant messaging services like whatsapp messenger, BBM, e-buddy, yahoo messenger etc. are becoming extremely popular with the youth and are posing a stiff competition to the revenue generating humble SMS. Although there is same cost involved in the usage of almost all IM,still whatsapp is more popular. Although Instant Messaging presents to its users many useful features, it also has some attributes that make it somewhat dangerous and unsafe. Due to the fact that the messages are sent over the Internet, a medium that is not completely reliable in maintaining security and privacy, these messages can be intercepted and might be accessed by unauthorized third-parties. In addition to that, due to the anonymous nature of the Internet and the resulting fact that people can pose as someone they are not, there is always a risk posed in revealing confidential information over Instant Messaging. For example, a person with ulterior motives might impersonate someone whom you know and from that gain confidential personal information such as bank account numbers and PINs. The ravages of information leaking and fraud are a very real hazard in Instant 37

Messaging that is not to be underestimated. Such danger can also take the form of Trojan viruses and other malicious spyware that cause various computer maladies of varying severity. It is advisable to play safe and be cautious at all times when using Instant Messaging, or rather, any implementation of the Internet to preserve the security of the user and the computer. Responsible use of such software is the best way to reduce the chances of a computer crisis.

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