Instant messaging (IM) and e-mail are similar in some ways, different in others.

Because of its immediacy and streamlined efficiency, many business users prefer IM to phone calls and e-mail. Unlike e-mail, IM is in real time and is used for quick exchanges of thoughts, similar to a phone call. Like e-mail, IM should not be used to communicate confrontational, sensitive, or confidential information. Like e-mail, IM messages can be copied and saved to a Word document, or archived in their entirety, so discretion is important. Like e-mail, instant messaging is great when used to convey simple messages, clarify a point, confirm a meeting, or the like.

Thanks