Pearl Echo already manages most forms of Internet-based communications including Web browsing, file transfers (FTP), newsgroup postings, chat (IRC), e-mail, Web chat and Web mail. Now, though, the most popular forms of IM including ICQ, AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), Yahoo Messenger and MSN Messenger are managed and tracked with the software.

In addition, Pearl Echo 5.0 can now monitor a computer according to its assigned name, a user name, as well as the computer's unique hardware serial number. This has strong implications for law enforcement as more companies begin to experiment with Internet monitoring software like Pearl Echo to monitor suspected cyber criminals. Pearl Software's identification features alone could greatly assist corporations in defending themselves against wrongful termination proceedings or to assist in prosecuting suspected cyber criminals.

With workplace use of IM technology on the rise, corporate vulnerability to hackers is increased. In addition, some employees use IM for personal chat, rather than business related conversations. Pearl Software says many employees mistakenly believe that because chat and IM bypass corporate servers, messages cannot be tracked. For this reason, instant messaging has become the medium of choice for those trying to send unauthorized personal communications or proprietary information outside the company.

The Pearl Echo software supports several of the latest Windows 2000 and XP features including remote installation using the Windows Installer service, Windows XP Fast User Switching and remote administration through Windows Remote Desktop. Pearl Echo also seamlessly integrates into a Windows Terminal Server Environment. Pearl Echo continues to push the capabilities of its GIM (Global Internet Management) technology, enabling management of local or remote computers regardless of where or how users connect to the Internet.

Pearl Echo 5.0 retails at $79 per copy with licensing and volume discounts based on the number of workstations to be managed. A free, five-user trial version of Pearl Echo is available at the company's Pearl Echo Web site.

Earlier this week, Akonix Systems Inc. released its own IM and peer-to-peer (P2P) monitoring software. Called "Akonix RogueAware," the free software tool helps IT managers audit the use of public instant messaging (IM) within their networks. Downloads are available via an Akonix Web page.

Bob Woods is the managing editor of InstantMessagingPlanet.