As instant messaging gets finally the attention of the corporate enterprise, for the key communication benefits it can bring when leveraged appropriately, more companies are announcing new products essentially based on a strong core IM (instant messaging) solution, which can scale up to offer different conferencing functionalities depending on the needs (and budget) of the presenter.

The Versona Instant Messaging System is a new instant messaging solution, based on client-server architecture with characteristics and features that make it match the security and scalability requirements typical of the business corporate environment.

The Versona Instant Messaging System offers cross-platform support (Windows, Mac, Unix, Solaris and more) and built-in compatibility with all of the major instant messaging networks (AOL, MSN, Yahoo, Lotus SameTime, Jabber) and also supports the SIP and SIMPLE protocol standards.

The Versona IMS server can be extended with additional modules to incorporate:
a) audio and video conferencing
b) project and file management
c) workflow notification
d) business management services and more.

The Versona IM client software is completely Web-based and it is streamed directly from the server, resulting in a no client-side installation. Administrators don't have to load software on every workstation and users can log on from anywhere to automatically access their buddy lists. Updates are also automatically streamed from the server.

Here is a list of the system Server and Client key features:

The Versona Instant Messaging System

Key Features:

Server Features

• Cross-platform server software
( Win32/Linux/Mac/Unix/ Irix, and more)

• Secure, encrypted communication

• Easy to use, web based administration

• Fully extensible architecture with add-on modules

• Fully customizable logging (messages, status, errors, logins, meetings, requests)

• Flood (SPAM) control

• Administrative alerts to single users/groups/everyone

• LDAP and Microsoft Active Directory integration

• Permissions (set by user/group/all)

• AOL, MSN, Yahoo Instant Messenger Integration

• Jabber Support (chat)

• SIP/ Simple Support (chat)

• Ability to cluster multiple servers

• Full network configuration control

• HTTP Tunneling

• Proxy support

• Static meeting rooms (configurable by administrator)

• Secure remote or local client/ server software updates

• Administrator configured contact lists (required contacts by user/group/all)

• Automatic client updates

• Acceptable Use Policy

Client Features

• Cross-Platform client software
( Win32/Linux/Mac/Unix/ Irix, and more

• No loaded Client software. Client software streams from server on demand

• Stores Messages can be left for users when away or unavailable

• Emoticons (Smileys)

• HTML support

• encrypted communications (optional)

• AIM, MSN, Yahoo, Jabber Support

• SIP/ Simple Protocols Supported

• Contact (buddy) lists

• Multi-way Group chats (cross-service)

• One to One chat (cross-service)

• Meeting invitations

• Customizable profiles or LDAP profiles

• LDAP directory lookups

• Integration with Versona Web Conference Servers

• Alert sounds

• Context Sensitive contact lists

• Proxy support

• HTTP Tunneling

• Customizable fonts

• Docked chat windows (configurable)

• Personalized Auto-Response (Status messages customized by recipient)

In addition the Versona IM System really facilitates integration of existing contact list and enterprise directory services by providing:

Directory Services Integration
The Versona IM System can easily integrate with your existing LDAP or Microsoft Active Directory services. This means your users do not have to learn and memorize new or different passwords other than those they currently use. Setting up directory integration is a snap with the Versona IM Servers web based administration tool.

Integration with Existing IM Systems or Services
If your users currently use AOL, MSN, Yahoo, or other IM systems, they do not have to recreate their buddy lists. The Versona IM System will import their existing buddy lists from the other systems for them! This makes it simple for your users to make the change to the private and secure Versona IM System

Add-on modules
The Versona Instant Messaging System offers a number of add-on modules that make the system extremely flexible, modular and expandable. In this way each user or organization can select the level of functionality that best meets her needs.

Currently Available Add-On Modules include:

Multimedia and Video Teleconferencing Services - Instant person to person video and audio conferencing.

O-Live! Instant On-Line Help Services - Provide your web site users access to live help just when they need it.

Workflow and Process Automation Services - Conduct approval cycles and route communication in serial or parallel to conduct workflow processes. Includes workflow activity notifications via Instant Messaging,

Live, Moderated Chat Rooms - Hold a moderated live chat event where attendees can ask questions to the presenter. The meeting moderator can review the list of available questions and deliver a proof read set of questions to the presenter to read.

Collaborative Objects - Create private or shared folders, files, and objects with controlled access.

Management Services - Including Proactive Word Scan, Archiving, Journaling, Reporting/ Logging, Bot Management.

Web Services Toolkit - Extend awareness to other applications and
build modular components using Versona Services.

Mobile User Services - Extend your Versona IM system to cell phones and PDAs.

Hats for an excellent communication, messaging and collaboration product. With Versona IMS Alphalogix shows how well it understands where the future of online collaboration is and takes the right steps to ensure that this company is there among the pioneers to offer first some of what we have been long waiting.
To learn more about the Versona Instant Messaging System please see the official online documentation or the Versona brochure(PDF).