Overview

This chapter has been contributed by Tony Dubendorf, who has enjoyed a long and distinguished career in the computer industry. Tony has over 30 years of experience in the security and wireless communications industry, starting with his ventures into amateur radio in the early 1970s. Tony has authored several books and papers, including Wireless Data Technologies, published by John Wiley & Sons. During his technical career, Tony has worked heavily in the design and deployment of metropolitan area MESH networks for Corpus Christi, Texas; Chaska, Minnesota; Jamestown, New York; and St. Cloud, Florida, to name just a few. Tony led the infrastructure design, implementation, and security audits for several global corporations, such as Nokia, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, Bahamas, as well as for several government organizations. Tony's professional background includes management, wireless technologies and security consulting, business development, and participation in the full range of enterprise program and project management activities, with specific emphasis on wireless and information security technologies.

IM (as defined by www.dictionary.com [1]) is "a computer application that allows for communications in real time, a live chat, and e-mail service." A student text on computing essentials [2] defines IM as a " communication and collaboration tool for direct, live, connections over the Internet."

Regardless of which definition you use regardless of text, voice, or video over media such as the local network or the Internet, via PDA, cell phone, or by WiFi; whichever means you choose,...