Those who have found a solution in Cisco's (News - Alert) enterprise IP communications systems will be happy to know that they're set to get a little extra bonus at no charge – specifically, the Jabber instant messaging and presence software suite.

Cisco has believed, on something of a philosophical level, for some time that instant messaging and presence software is an essential part of the overall enterprise IP communications concept, so it doesn't come as much of a surprise to see them include this kind of software capability in with their standard package. For those with version 7.1 or above of Cisco's Unified Communications (News - Alert) Manager system, they'll be able to get in on this.

Not only will the instant messaging capabilities hit for those with Cisco phones, but for other employees as well, and the Jabber software in question will work with a variety of platforms, from the stationary like Windows and Mac OS, but also on iOS and BlackBerry devices. Android (News - Alert) devices will follow later this year.

The addition of Jabber, besides being a useful tool offered at no cost, also provides value in that businesses can get secure instant messenger tools that can be controlled at the IT department level. But for those who already have an enterprise communications system, they'll be facing a choice. Removing their current system to get Jabber may do more harm than good, depending on how deeply integrated their current systems are. Trying to reset a system that's already working with email and software and similar collaboration tools to bring in a new system just to get hands on a new tool for instant messaging may delay projects, force deadlines back, or do even worse.

While not every business will be able to take advantage of Cisco's offer, it would likely be a good idea for those that can to do so. Instant messaging is a surprisingly valuable tool, and can open up a variety of new possibilities for a business, like telecommuting or remote office operations. These new possibilities have a wide potential for improving the bottom line, and that potential can never be ignored.