IM (Instant Messaging) is a common term for services that provide an instant messaging exchange.

 

As a rule, these services consist of two parts: a server (IMS, Instant Messaging Service) and client applications (Instant Messenger). IM services work in real-time in a local network or via the internet and used for chats, file transfer, voice, and video. They are often used for cooperative games via a network.

 

Some of such programs are widely known and have an audience of hundreds of thousands or even millions of users. For example, ICQ or Skype.

 

For this kind of work, you need a client program, messenger. The difference from email is that message exchange is performed in real-time, instantly. A client program connects to the central server and receives the ability to send and receive messages from other people connected to the same server.

 

That is why messengers are called clients (client applications). This term is taken from a client-server technology concept.

 

All IM systems can be divided into 2 big parts: public and closed. The first ones are used in the internet with open access for everyone. The second ones are only for working within a company in closed networks. The access to such IM networks is impossible from the external environment due to security measures. MyChat is one of those system for instant messaging.

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