Secure Instant Messaging FAQs
Secure IM makes use of the Microsoft Office Communicator 2007 client to provide a secure instant messaging (IM) solution for University of Utah personnel. Secure IM is only available for users set up on the University’s Secure IM server.
I can download Communicator for free. Why do I need to pay for Secure IM?
Do I have to run two clients to IM people who don't use Secure IM?
Can people outside of the University use Secure IM?
I can download Communicator for free. Why do I need to pay for Secure IM?
Office Communicator is a free downloadable client that is supported by the University. However, this is not the service you are being charged for. Secure IM makes use of an encrypted OCS server, which is what makes this instant messaging service secure. You are charged for the use of the server, not the client.
What clients are supported?
The University of Utah supports Microsoft Office Communicator for Secure IM. There are two versions of this client: One for Windows and one for Macs.
Do I have to run two clients to IM people who don't use Secure IM?
If you have a universal IM client, such as Trillian or Pidgin, that supports OCS encrypted instant messaging, you can use it to keep all your IM contacts in one place, including those who are set up on Secure IM. However, with all of your contacts in one place, including those on (free) unencrypted systems, you run the risk of inadvertently releasing sensitive information over an unencrypted channel. You are responsible for remembering which of your contacts are operating on Secure IM and which are using non-OCS clients.
The University does not support these clients, but if you choose to use one of them, your credentials are your uNID and password. The sip server address is im.umail.utah.edu and the protocol is TLS. Deployment of a third-party client to run Secure IM/OCS should be consistent with your department’s policy.
Can people outside of the University use Secure IM?
Only internal University communications are currently allowed using our Secure IM product.
For More
For help, contact the your respective Help Desk: Campus employees, contact the Campus Help Desk at 801-581-4000 email at helpdesk@utah.edu; Health Sciences employees, contact the ITS Help Desk at 801-587-6000.or email at itscustomerservice@hsc.utah.edu.
