Final answer:
As an IT professional seeking free communication application alternatives for a company, IRC and open IM clients like Pidgin or Adium are viable options that support text communication. The choice should consider current needs for voice or video communication , the audience, and the contexts of communication, with appropriate adjustments to language use.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you're the sole IT employee tasked with migrating your company's communication application to a free alternative, there are a few viable options you could consider:
- a. IRC (Internet Relay communication ) - This is one of the earliest forms of online communication that allows group communication in discussion forums called channels, as well as one-on-one communication.
- b. Open IM communication applications, like Pidgin or Adium - These are free instant messaging clients that can connect to multiple communication networks, allowing users to communicate across different platforms.
- c. Emails - While not an instant messaging solution, email is a universal mode of online communication for business correspondence.
When choosing a free communication application, you'll also want to consider how you currently communicate using voice or video communication , such as Zoom, and if the new platform supports that. The decision may depends on who you communicate with (e.g., internal team, external clients) and the contexts in which communication occurs, such as formal meetings or informal communication. Adjusting your use of language will depend on the situation, varying from professional tones in business settings to casual in more relaxed communications with colleagues.