More ?? on Instant Messaging

[dmanlam]

1) Can you mix Exchange and internet contact addresses if you are using Exchange for IM internally?
I downloaded the Exchange IM client and installed on desktops so that we could communicate internally via Exchange. However, we'd also like to communicate with internet IM users...is this possible? Is it possible to use an IM client where you can set up contacts from an internal Exchange server as well as contacts on the internet? Currently, the IM client we are using won't recognize external (internet) contact addresses.

2) How do you construct groups in your IM contacts? And once you set up groups, can you IM to a group (so that all users in that group get the message)?
When I go to my menu in my IM window, the Manage Groups selection is inaccessible. Is there a reason why I cannot access this feature? Are groups not enabled when using the Exchange IM client?

Any advice, direction, suggestions, help is always ENORMOUSLY appreciated.
Drew

 

[dankelt]

1) That depends on what you mean by "mix". You can add both to your IM client, and you can connect to both a passport and exchange account at the same time. The only thing you can't do is mix exchange and Passport users into a single conversation (like a conference call).


2) I don't think you can construct groups with Exchange contacts, only Passport accounts can do this. And I don't see any way to message an entire group. You can add individuals to a singe conversation, but not a group.

Dan

 

[dmanlam]

Thanks Dan...I was able to configure for both Exchange and .NET Passport (I sign into my Exchange account first). I tried this the other day, but I kept having sign-in problems with my .NET Passport. I had just set up my .NET Passport a few minutes prior to testing it out, though, so I probably just needed to give it more time.
I also now have the ability to create/manage Groups. I guess a pure Exchange sign-in doesn't allow that functionality.

Thanks for the help!
Drew