*Action Items*
New
[AI] {John-Paul, Mike, Brendan and SteveO} decide to write an article about managing IM as a collaborative tool. They will also decide who will participate in writing the article.
[AI] {Ann} will contact Nancy Hayes to verify topic for current issue.
[AI] {Ann} will manage logistics and editing for the article.

*Participants*
Michael Gettes, Duke University (Chair)
John-Paul Robinson, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Brendan Bellina, Notre Dame
Terrie Clark, Internet2
Steve Olshansky, Internet2
Ann West, EDUCAUSE/Internet2

*Discussion*
Several issues exist with universities deploying and managing IM applications and using the applications for chatting and document sharing. IM applications are already in wide use at most universities through external commercial providers, if not through locally administered systems such as Jabber. This presents both intellectual property and security risks. However, it is predicted that within the R&E environment Jabber will soon be the common IM application. The group has developed scenarios outlining several of the issues surrounding IM management.

As a result of the foreseen IM management issues, the group is considering writing a white paper or article addressing the group's thoughts and concerns for IM management in R&E. To increase awareness of these issues, the group proposes to publish this article in the EDUCAUSE Review and/or other publications. Distribution for the EDUCAUSE Review includes university presidents and CIO's. This presents an opportunity for the group to address the challenges in managing IM applications that are not presented by other collaborative tools such as e-mail. And, the topic fits well with the other topics addressed the current issues section of the EDUCAUSE Review of identity and access management.

It was discussed that an outline of the proposed article could be used as a basis for discussion with the MACE-MList and other WG's at the fall I2MM. The group will consider this effort and choose a course of action by the next WG meeting.

The next call is Thursday September 17 at 1:00PM ET.