The 4 Keys to Enterprise Chat Apps. What is secure enterprise chat, and why do I need it?
In today’s work world, chat and video meetings are integral to getting work done. But organizations need to pick solutions that are safe, cost-effective, and make sense for the business. And, given the global push toward remote work, employee engagement is key. Connecting employees in a meaningful way takes more than just an easy chat feature. It’s also ensuring that the information shared is reaching the intended audience — while meeting the regulatory standards of your industry.
Providing your teams with a secure chat messaging accomplishes both important goals — connection and protection — freeing your enterprise from security and compliance concerns and creating more time to focus on doing great work.
But what, specifically, makes secure chat important, and why should enterprise companies care?
- Employees are Already Using Chat Apps, But They Need Secure Messaging
The reality is that most people are using a chat service to connect with colleagues. Knowing that should motivate enterprises to standardize the chat platform it offers its employees.
Not offering a secure chat option won’t deter employees from using a messaging app, it will just result in them using whatever chat service they personally like, secure or not. This is also known as a shadow IT problem. A universal chat solution can streamline workflow while enhancing the company’s data transparency and keeping things secure.
As mobile messaging platforms continue to grow in popularity and functionality, people accustomed to consumer messaging apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger will incorporate those into their work life unless given an alternative. Those consumer platforms are fine for personal chat, but the end-to-end encryption they include blocks access to communication data that is required in many enterprise verticals.
The solutions your organization provides needs to be easy to use, secure, and modern. Enterprise systems must provide a collaboration tool that can handle a fluid workflow while simultaneously meeting the security protocols of the industry they serve.
2. Enterprise Collaboration Tools Need Enterprise Data Security
Popular free apps are fine for individuals communicating with friends and family, but when that use drifts into the workplace it becomes a reality check for enterprise companies. The inability of companies to monitor these apps can pose a security risk and create a dilemma if called upon to provide stored employee communications records for auditing purposes.
The staff at a local government agency might find iMessenger perfectly convenient, but when that agency is audited to ensure compliance with federal regulations… it’s not going to end well. Reviewing all the electronic communications involving that partnership is now required but will be nearly impossible since iMessenger communications can’t be viewed due to encryption settings that aren’t enterprise compatible.
The result? The company is vulnerable to legal action or worse.
Encryption software is vital: it maintains the privacy of employees while giving enterprises an archiving and auditing tool that protects them and their clients.
This is critical for enterprise companies working with financial institutions and government entities, industries with strict compliance and regulatory standards. There are a wide array of tax and accounting obligations, legal requirements, and data protection laws that must be met, and for which transparently archived data is needed. If there are employee communications that cannot be documented and audited it can be a serious problem. Lawsuits can result, professional reputations can be tarnished, millions in fines can be spent.
That’s why consumer messaging apps aren’t secure enough for enterprise needs.
3. Enterprise Security + Consumer-Level Ease of Use
A secure enterprise messaging app must have similar functionality to that of a consumer messaging app, but with the additional capability to ensure secure and auditable communications for employees.
It starts with data safety and compliance. But what if you also had modern, easy and straight-forward usability? A secure enterprise chat platform, such as Sametime from HCL, has encryption software built in to the core that protects all chats, files, and videos from external threats while providing the auditability needed to meet all industry regulations. It also has one-click meetings, no need to download software to start a meeting, persistent chat to preserve all collaboration even after a meeting has ended — plus it works on any device, even while at rest.
4. On-Premise or Cloud Deployment
With secure enterprise chat you get the functionality of a consumer messaging chat service, along with peace of mind knowing your data is protected and your communications are compliance-ready.
And, with both on-premise or private cloud available as deployment options, service is customizable, security is specifically tailored, and adoption is cost-effective.
Secure enterprise chat can be the difference between a company communicating effectively, or sporadically and without cohesion. Utilizing it can enhance data archiving, boost compatibility with compliance standards, and protect organizations from legal repercussions and regulatory discipline. Not using it can open a door to all those outcomes, creating untold headaches for companies and clients.
Improve your business outcomes with secure enterprise communication. Your employees and your clients will thank you for it.
Ready to level up your secure internal communications? Check out Sametime
