Choosing corporate level instant messaging system and implementing audit controls

Instant messaging (IM) is an efficient way of real-time communication that enables message, file and presence transfer over the Internet. Business can benefit from IM as it is a cost-effective alternative for teleconferences by reducing phone call bills, need for meeting rooms and travel. IM systems can be hosted inside a corporate network or hosted off-site. In this paper we present criteria for choosing a suitable IM system and show how to implement reliable audit controls for the IM system using Snort rules.