About this Article:
Use of third-party instant messaging software, such as that offered by Yahoo!, AOL, and MSN, is exploding in the American workplace. Instant messaging programs show up as an innocuous looking smiley face or little blue figure in the taskbar of many employees' computer monitors. Many employers and attorneys fail to realize these icons have the power to let employees disseminate intellectual property, broker off-record deals, share gossip, harass others, and expose big corporations to big-time liabilities.
Bethany Cunningham Gabbert, Esq. graduated from Washington University School of Law. A former Assistant Attorney General for Oregon, she is now a freelance writer and adjunct professor.
Jason Derting is the CEO of Pacific Legal Litigation Support Services and has been in the litigation support industry for more than ten years. Jason has developed more than 100 software programs, written articles, and lectured throughout the country.
Keyword Tags: collaboration, compliance, digital media, e-discovery, E-Discovery, E-Mail, it networking, law technology, Law, Litigation Support, messaging, security