With the introduction of all these social networks, the use of instant messaging has changed. The behaviour of using an instant messaging system is changing. There are multiple facets to this change.
Some of the key aspects include;
1. Mobile phones (with Data allowance)
Integrating with Online Social Network Systems. Some with VOIP capibilities, other integrate with contact databases, whilst others again compile completely different lists of users.
2. Social network websites
Lots of them. Plaxo, Linkedin, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, MSN Spaces and the others.
So – The question becomes – How exactly does one track, from a contacts point of view, the activities across these networks?
__________________________________________________________
Key Functions
1. Syndicated Feeds – informing the user of all the goings on, segmented, made into a useful feed of information.
2. Online Messaging. As application interfaces continue to evolve, instant messaging is a communication feature made available throughout these application interfaces.
Application interfaces;
Instant Messenger like.
Ability to read feeds from different applications
Ability to segment what types of feeds you want. qualified by type, format, application, etc.
Ability to use the system on multiple devices
Ability to have instant messaging
Ability to send messages via different platforms
I’ll keep thinking about it.