This report doesn’t surprise, but it will catch Banks off guard.  Bank technology strategists, and security practitioners hate IM, and it is not really on any Banks radar, that I am aware of.

Instant messaging is the fastest-growing communications medium of all time, according to a September study from the Radicati Group (Palo Alto, Calif.). IM is spreading like wildfire in the business world because of its ability to provide real-time communications, the market research firm says. The study shows strong growth in IM use worldwide, with the number of IM accounts growing from 995 million in 2006 to more than 1.6 billion by 2010. The number of IM users also is expected to grow from 432 million in 2006 to 650 million in 2010, Radicati reports.

Source: Wall Street & Technology : Instant Messaging Gets Delayed Treatment

But we know that Gen Y, who we have consistently promoted here and here should be the primary customer requirements focus for technology, live on IM, and as they move into money making propositions, and become valued customers, Banks will be totally out of step unless they recognise the value in IM.