WEBX: WebEx Targets Millions of At-Work Instant Messaging Users with First On-Demand Enterprise IM Solution

WebEx (Nasdaq: WEBX), the leading provider of software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications for collaborative business on the web, today announced the general availability of the industry’s first enterprise-class on-demand solution for enterprise instant messaging (EIM). WebEx AIM Pro Business Edition combines the scale, flexibility and zero-maintenance of the on–demand model with the security, compliance, hygiene and centralized administration controls organizations required to make instant messaging (IM) a viable productivity tool for the enterprise.

According to The Radicati Group, a leading market research firm, instant messaging has become a mission-critical collaboration tool for 135 million workers in organizations of all sizes. That number is expected to grow to more than 477 million by 2009.

“There is a reason EIM software hasn’t taken off, companies simply don’t want to buy and maintain complex IM servers. Instant messaging belongs on the web,” said David Knight, vice president of messaging solutions, WebEx. “WebEx AIM Pro combines the reach and productivity benefits of web-based IM, the administrative controls of an on-premise EIM solution and the cost advantages of on-demand. WebEx AIM Pro Business Edition is a prime example of an evolving class of business applications that leverage the web to make businesses smarter, more productive and better connected.”

All WebEx AIM Pro traffic is secured with end-to-end 128 bit SSL encryption and WebEx AIM Pro assists customers in meeting compliance requirements for storage of electronic communications. The service automatically scans file transfers, blocks SpIM to reduce the spread of viruses and worms, and protects against IM and P2P threats. Administrators can centrally manage all accounts and configure URL and content filters to prevent the loss of intellectual property or confidential information.

The EIM software solutions currently on the market do not automatically allow users to connect to other IM solutions. Users often need to petition IT every time they want to add a customer, colleague or partner outside the firewall. Some EIM software companies even charge an additional fee on top of their software to allow users to communicate with the free public networks. Unlike these legacy software solutions, WebEx AIM Pro Business Edition is an on-demand solution that works with enterprise directory services and allows users to reach the more than 80 million users on the global AOL instant messaging network.

Backed by the MediaTone on-demand platform, the WebEx AIM Pro service will allow users to securely chat, launch conference calls, online meetings and live demonstrations with any AIM® user with just a few quick clicks. The WebEx AIM Pro service client is tailored for business users offering seamless integration to corporate calendars, address books and firewall-friendly VoIP and video.

Users can download the secure WebEx AIM Pro Business Edition client for free at www.webex.com/go/aimpro_pr

WebEx provides on-demand collaboration applications to individuals, small businesses and enterprise organizations. WebEx applications combine both synchronous and asynchronous collaboration capabilities and allow businesses to leverage the web as an efficient channel for interaction with customers, partners and co-workers. All WebEx applications are built on the MediaTone platform, a platform specifically designed for on-demand applications. MediaTone platform APIs make it easy for developers to build specialized applications that leverage the WebEx real-time collaboration capabilities or add these capabilities into third party applications.

About WebEx Communications
WebEx Communications, Inc., is the global leader in software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications for collaborative business on the web. WebEx applications combine both synchronous and asynchronous collaboration capabilities and allow businesses to leverage the web as an efficient channel for interaction with customers, partners and co-workers. These software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications enhance high-touch business processes, such as sales and training, with efficient web-touch interactions. WebEx delivers its range of applications over the WebEx MediaTone Network, a global network and platform specifically designed for secure delivery of on-demand applications. WebEx is based in Santa Clara, California and has regional headquarters in Europe, Asia and Australia. Please call toll free 877-509-3239 or visit www.webex.com for more information.