dvmCLOUD, blueprintCLOUD, and continuumCLOUD include a private Instant Messaging (IM) system on the desktop for enhancing intra-office communication.  Before it can be utilized, each user must configure their IM account.

The desktop includes an application called Spark, which is the IM client.

To connect an IM account, follow these steps:

1. Open the Spark IM client from the Start menu.
   
   
   
   
2. Enter your normal windows login username in the Username field (i.e. jdoe@company.com).
3. Enter your normal password in the Password field.
4. Enter the word "im" in the Server field.

5. Select the options you prefer.

   Since your desktop is already secured by your password, we recommend selecting the Save Password and Auto Login options to make Spark load automatically each time you sign in.

   
   

6. Click Login.

To add other users to chat with, follow these steps:

1. Find the Search field at the bottom of Spark.
   
   
   
   
2. Enter the person's username (i.e. first initial last name) or part of their full name in the Search field and press Enter.
3. A list of matches will be displayed.
4. Find the person you want in the Search Results at the bottom of the window and double-click their name.

5. On the next screen, press the green plus icon to invite that user to be a chat friend.

   The other person must accept your request to add them to your contact list before you can see their status.  Until then, they will show as Pending.

    

To organize your contacts, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Contacts menu and select Add Contact Group.
2. Type the name of the group you want to add in the Name of Group field.
3. Click OK.
4. Drag the contacts you want into the group.