When you’re IM’ing, last thing you probably think about is who else is out there, watching. But you should be worried and you should be using protection – security protection, that is.

When you use your business computers to send instant messages, your entire company becomes vulnerable. In no time at all, your business could collapse. This is not some sales-driven scare tactic; it’s real and it happens. If you own a business and you or your employees conduct business using Instant Messaging, it is your responsibility to ensure that all business information is kept out of harm’s way.

You need to be able to block incoming and outgoing dangerous IM traffic such as unsafe scripts, streaming audio and video, buffer overflow attacks and executable URLs. You need protection from interactions with potentially dangerous strangers. You’ve got to make sure this type of protection is available regardless of IM service or screen names being used. You’ve got to know who is doing what and when, so that you can modify your security measures as necessary.

Didn’t realize you had so much to do when all you really wanted to do was communicate, did you? Before deciding to drop IM idea altogether, take a look at IMsecure Pro.

IMsecure Pro handles all of above security issues moment it is installed. For most protection, you as well as those with whom you IM need IMsecure Pro installed on their computers.

If your business requires overseas communications with suppliers or customers; or if you have a loved one living or traveling abroad; you know that cost for overseas calls can come as a shock to your budget and cause you heartburn if you think what future may have in store. Calling rates vary from country to country, so impact on your telephone bill could be dramatic, but there are a few things that you can do to help lessen costs in future.

• Calling Overseas Mobile Devices: Be very careful when placing telephone calls to mobile devices overseas. There are many overseas carriers that use a "calling party pays" system when calling mobile devices (cell phone, pager, etc.) originating from within United States. It is entirely possible that tariff rate for an overseas wireless phone might be considerably higher compared to a call placed to a land-line in same country. This surcharge is referred to as an “International / Special Services Termination Rate”. It should be listed on your carrier’s International calling plan rate schedule. U.S. carriers do not have a choice in this matter and it does you no good to complain to your local provider regarding what you may perceive as excessive charges that appear on your telephone bill.

• Direct Dialing or Dialaround: Depending upon country you are calling, you may get an overall attractive calling rate by dialing direct; accessing network by dialing 011 + country code + city code plus local number. However, you may want to consider using a dialaround service if your local plan charges a high tariff for a country you intend to call regularly. These services are also referred to as a 10-10 number. You do not need to switch long distance carriers to use a dialaround number and it can be used in many foreign countries as well to call home. These services usually have very competitive International rates and can save you considerable sums. Be advised, however, that you will not be able to use a dialaround service if you must dial 8 or 9 to access your dial tone, such as from an office or hotel.

• Operator Assistance To Place Calls: Never, ever, use an operator to place an International call unless it is an absolute emergency. Obviously for every rule there are exceptions, collect calls, person-to-person and third party billing are examples, but whenever possible dial direct or use a dialaround service. When I first moved to Indonesia several years ago I called my son on his birthday using local operator and we talked for about an hour. This was before I got into this business. My phone bill was in excess of $100. A dialaround service, which was not available at time, would have cost me about $15.00 or less.