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Unified messaging (UM) and instant messaging (IM) are not the same thing. Instant messaging is essentially real-time chat. With instant messaging users generally communicate back and forth 'instantly' with messages somewhere between a mobile phone text message and a full-blown email. It is faster than email (assuming the recipient is available) and much more efficient for quick questions.
Unified messaging is the consolidation of various communications technologies into a single space. Rather than having separate locations for storing voicemail, email, faxes, etc., unified messaging stores them together. Unified messaging subsequently enables users to access all of these communications with a single tool or interface, improving efficiency by providing a single point of contact regardless of the type of communication.
Both instant messaging and unified messaging are components of a comprehensive unified communications solution.
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