Using tags to assist near-synchronous communication

In this work, we introduce the use of tags to support the near synchronous use of instant messaging (IM). As a proof-of-concept, we developed a plug-in in Lotus Sametime, an enterprise IM client. Our plug-in supports tasks that do not need immediate attention and tasks that have deadlines. A trial deployment and survey shows that users can see the potential usefulness of such a tagging system in their IM communication. Furthermore, users rated our design intuitive and easy to use. Longer study is needed to explore communication norms that results from its use. Copyright 2008 ACM.