In a week, the consumer messaging service AOL Instant Messenger will officially go offline and its loyal users will be forced to find alternative methods of communication. Individuals have a glut of free alternatives to choose from, but where will the regulated US equity market professionals who have relied on AIM as a platform for business communications go?
Is this a case of dj vu? Last year actions taken by Yahoo compelled many oil and commodities traders to depart Yahoo Messenger and adopt new messaging tools. Much like AIM users, they were given plenty of notice to plan for the change and avoid disruption, but many left it to the last minute and the ramifications of those decisions are still being felt today. So what lessons can we share with professional users of AIM to ensure they dont make the same mistakes?
Firstly, rather than choose a closed network, choose one that is open and allows you to seamlessly connect with other users registered on that network or any networks connected to it. For example, our own collaboration platform, Eikon Messenger, is connected with CME Pivot so users of either network can easily chat with each other despite using different services. This is a sure-fire way to prevent community fragmentation and ensures your online status stays broadcast to all of your professional buddies after 15th December.
Secondly, take first mover advantage. Tell all of your contacts which network you have chosen and encourage them to either join you on that network, or another that is connected to it. At the very least it will compel the undecided into action.
At this late stage youd think everyone will have already moved and to a certain degree that is true – thousands of users have already registered for Eikon Messenger and are busy inviting their AIM buddies to join them. But alarm bells should be ringing for those that havent decided their course of action – take action now so you dont get left behind.
LesliFairchildis head of collaboration services for Thomson Reuters and heads upEikonMessenger.
