Will Instant Messaging be the End of Email?

Email has without doubt been the killer application that gave the internet universal acceptance. Email has been on a rapid growth curve during the last ten years (1995-2005) , that started with almost no one having an email address to almost everyone having more than one.

However; nothing lasts for ever and I believe that over the coming years we will see email use diminishing while Instant messaging use will increase.-see IM:Modern Day email

Instant messaging has many advantages over conventional email and could soon replace it as the main tool for communicating both at home and at work.

The Problems with Email

The problem with email today is that there is just so much of it, and it has to be stored somewhere. Corporate are finding that they now have to install archiving systems to keep track of it. Phone companies never had the same problems!

 You see not every communication was meant to be recorded for posterity and there have been many famous cases when those involved wish they hadn't been.

Instant Messaging

Instant messaging started with being instant text messaging but with its growth in popularity the instant messaging clients have changed to become a universal client offering instant text messaging email, file sharing, video conferencing and voice communications.

It seems that eventually instant messaging clients will replace both the humble telephone and email client as well as bringing with it new features like video conferencing.

 If the services offered by mobile telephony are any guide, then  that time is indeed fast approaching if not already here. Mobile phones have changed from a telephone handset to a text messaging system, to email and with the latest phones - video.

  Instant messaging (IM) is already well in place to be the email of the next 10 years.

Related Articles and Resources:

• Microsoft Instant Messenger Clients