For us, the Number One Big Flashing Neon Sign Reason to block messenger apps was their ability to be used as accidental (or intentional) means of bringing viruses, worms and other creepy-crawlies into the network. For the same reason, we also block all POP3 web-based email such as AOL, Yahoo, and whatever else. The last major virus infection we had was traced back to someone opening a file in their AOL mail.
Also, as mentioned above, some of us have regulatory requirements to log all customer communications. If a customer messages their broker that they want to dump their stock, we need a record of that.
To that end, we adopted a copororate version of AIM. Internal messages never leave the company, everything is logged and run through virus filters and we can still message anyone else with an AIM ID.
We have some sort if messaging “thing” at work. It’s been so long since the “training” that I can’t even remember which one it is - AIM, ICQ, MSN. None of us use it. We have phones, pagers, cell phones, regular email, and various other ways to get interrupted and distracted from our work. In some sort of weird hive mind way, we all decided, with no discussion at all, that none of us wanted more interruption and distraction.
Aren’t there ways to allow messenger conversations but to block the port used for file transfer?
It’s not just bosses who would be opposed. Fellow employees get pissed when we have to pick up your slack while you’re IM’ing all fucking day. That situation happened to me during tax season. Not only did I have to do tax returns, but I also helped assemble them to help this IM-obsessed co-worker. AND, I was always there until 7:30 or 8:00, while she was out the door at 5:00.
I even tattled (totally uncharacteristic of me) to the owner of the firm and he blew it off and told me I was being “counter-productive”. One of the other partners saw what she was doing, but never did anything about it.
I’m sorry, but I applaud your company for banning IM.
Whew, I feel better now. My anger isn’t directed toward you, but that was one hellish tax season for me and I’m bitter, dammit! :mad: