California-based FaceTime Communications has launched a new instant messaging (IM) application featuring IT administrative controls designed to ensure regulatory compliance at financial services firms.
FaceTime IM Auditor 2.0 captures, records, and reports conversations on multiple IM networks, both private and public, in use within the enterprise.
The solution features online identity management and IM screen name mapping to employee ID directories that enable financial institutions to authorise employees to continue using the popular public instant messaging networks from AOL, Microsoft and Yahoo! for time-sensitive communications, while ensuring administrative controls are in place to comply with government regulations.
Two US firms, Thomas Weisel Partners and Banc of America Securities have already gone live with IM Auditor 2.0.
Beth Cannon, chief technology officer of Thomas Weisel Partners, says: "In just two months time, we have over 400 registered users on the FaceTime server. By the end of the year the company will have over 600 users conducting business with the FaceTime IM Auditor. At Thomas Weisel, we believe in staying ahead of the technology curve and FaceTime's IM solutions allow us to manage and monitor our instant messaging usage and stay in compliance."
Rob Batchelder, a research director at Gartner, comments: "As instant messaging for business becomes prevalent, it is essential for companies to extend the same level of control over IM that exists currently for email."