[Web4lib] FW: [DIG_REF] IM & Security

[Francis Kayiwa]

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On Jan 30, 2006, at 2:23 PM, K.G. Schneider wrote:

> (Forwarded with Andrea's consent. I'll forward back a summary to  
> DIGREF. --
> K.G. Schneider)
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Dig_Ref [mailto:dig_ref at listserv.syr.edu] On Behalf Of Andrea  
> Stewart
> Sent: Monday, January 30, 2006 5:16 AM
> To: DIG_REF at LISTSERV.SYR.EDU
> Subject: [DIG_REF] IM & Security
>
> We are presently attempting to set up an IM reference service at our
> college and are leaning towards Trillian (free version).  I say
> attempting because we have met with some opposition from our computer
> services department.  The main issue in their eyes being 'security'.
> Their latest suggestion to us is to use the web version of msn  
> messenger
> which is unacceptable as it does not have the functionality of other
> products such as saving history, alerts, or sending files.  While  
> we do
> understand their concerns, we are also excited about the benefits of
> offering this extra level of service and are anxious to move  
> forward.  I
> am hoping to hear from anyone who has encountered this type of issue
> within their institutions and any compromises, advice, etc... that you
> have to offer would be greatly appreciated.

I am curious how the word security is used here. Is Andrea's library  
planning to host the server Jabber etc.,? In this case then the  
concern is warranted *IF* and only if they do not have a good system  
administrator.  If not then I am really confused. Is the concern that  
the use of IM might compromise their network. How is that different  
from any software (including web based chat) that is not kept  
current? Are they allowed to install any other software on these  
computers? Is this how the word "security" is used?

Or do we *also* mean the integrity of logs generated by Trillian or  
<insert preferred chat client>?

regards,
Francis
===============
Francis Kayiwa
Library Systems Team
4-180, MC 234
T: +1.312.996.2716
W: http://www.uic.edu/~kayiwa
Key: http://tigger.uic.edu/~kayiwa/kayiwa.gpg


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