Windows Communicator

Windows Communicator is an instant messaging application that helps network users communicate and share information with each other using public, private, or channel chats.

This program is suitable for companies, though it may be used by home users as well.

By installing this application, the users gain the ability to know at any moment whether their colleagues are available or not, whether one doesn’t want to be disturbed, or whether one is away. More than that, the system shows the precise time when someone has logged in or left the computer. These options can be configured by the management staff, so that they can monitor every action of their employees. They also have access to history files, where all chat messages are stored.

Windows Communicator doesn't stand in the way when you're running other programs, and this is because it hides in the system tray when you close its window. You can choose among three different ways of notification about incoming messages: a balloon near the clock, a blinking icon in the system tray, or a popup. The program comes with a plugin for sending SMS, which is far more easy to use than writing a message on your mobile phone. You just enter the phone number, type the message on your keyboard, and then press the "send" button.

The interface is simple and intuitive enough, and more than twenty languages are supported. I find this application useful in a business environment, both from the manager's point of view (that of monitoring the subordinate staff) and from the employee's perspective (one can instantly send messages to the available colleague).